HealthWorld Online: Top News Stories HealthWorld Online: Top News Stories in Alternative Heath and Wellness HealthWorld Online 93 90 The three 'killer indicators' that increase your chances of heart disease Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:09:00 EST There are ‘three killer indicators' that will tell you your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes, researchers have discovered. If you have high blood pressure, high blood sugar and you're obese all at the same time, your chances of developing heart disease double, and you're three times more likely to die prematurely, compared with healthy people. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10258 Medical School Enrollment Continues to Rise to Meet Physician Need - But Future Graduates Could Face Shortage of Residency Training Slots Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:41:00 EST Enrollment in both new and existing U.S. medical schools continues to expand to meet the nation's need for more doctors, according to data released today by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). First-year enrollment in the nation's medical schools rose this year by 2 percent over 2008 to nearly 18,400 students. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10257 New Leader in Cancer Community to be Announced at Summit Fri, 6 Nov 2009 09:50:00 EST This week a leader in the cancer community emerges, thanks to final steps uniting two well-known non-profits. The Wellness Community and Gilda's Club Worldwide will unveil their new, combined identity, the Cancer Support Community, at a landmark Cancer Summit on Saturday, November 7. The Cancer Support Community will likely be the largest professionally-led network of cancer support worldwide. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10256 Easy Tips from TOPS: Eating Well on a Budget Tue, 3 Nov 2009 21:47:00 EST In a tough economic environment, eating well on a budget can be challenging. Tempting low-cost, high-calorie comfort foods are readily available, but often lack important nutrients that are sacrificed in exchange for convenience. With a few key skills and strategies from TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, it can be relatively easy to create flavorful, well-balanced meals without busting the budget. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10255 Mobile phones do cause brain tumours, major study finally confirms Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:22:00 EST Long-term use of mobile phones can cause brain tumours, a major World Health Organization study will finally announce later this year. People who have used a mobile phone for more than 10 years face a ‘significantly increased risk' of developing brain tumours such as glioma, says the Interphone study, which reviewed the evidence from 13 countries, involving around 12,800 people. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10250 You need just four ounces of protein to build muscle Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:24:00 EST We eat way too much protein, even if we are trying to build strong muscles, new research has discovered. Bodybuilders can eat up to 20 pounds of protein every day, and yet only the first few ounces, or 30 grams, actually goes towards muscle building. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10251 Why cancer screening does more harm than good Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EST Screening for breast and prostate cancer may be a waste of time and money, and is causing a great deal of unnecessary worry and treatment among people who have been wrongly diagnosed. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10252 The two myths about depression, and why antidepressants don't work Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST More than half the people who are taking a powerful antidepressant aren't getting any help from the drug, and that's because doctors still work with two assumptions about depression that are false, researchers have said this week. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10253 Dental and medical x-rays cause heart disease, new research discovers Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:28:00 EST Low-dose radiation from medical and dental x-rays could cause heart disease, a new study suggests. Researchers from Imperial College London say they started researching a possible connection after numerous studies had shown that workers exposed to long-term doses of radiation, such as in the nuclear industry, had far higher levels of heart disease. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10254 The good news about being overweight Fri, 23 Oct 2009 22:31:00 EST Doctors have become almost parrot-like in telling us that being overweight can dramatically affect our health, but a new study suggests they are wrong. And being a little on the tubby side even seems to protect you against cancer. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10245 Diabetes symptoms reversed by molecule in red wine Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:20:00 EST A molecule found in grape skins and red wine could reverse diabetes by lowering insulin levels, even among sufferers who have a high-fat diet. The molecule, resveratrol, normalizes insulin levels after five weeks' usage, even when there was no change to diet or body weight, a study of laboratory mice has discovered. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10247 Do copper bracelets and magnets really ease arthritis pains? Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST We often see people walking around with copper bracelets on their wrist. The bracelets are supposed to ease muscle aches and arthritis pains, but do they actually work? http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10248 'Magical' plant offers hope for osteoporosis sufferers Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:21:00 EST A plant that scientists in the 16th century believed had magical powers could prove to be an effective treatment for osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10249 Tingling pains can be eased by chilli pepper ingredient Fri, 23 Oct 2009 23:04:00 EST Many of us suffer tingling pain and numbness in our extremities, and now researchers have discovered that the hot stuff in chilli peppers could be an effective antidote. The active ingredient, capsaicin, is used in skin creams such as Zostrix and Capsin, and it helps ease nerve pains in four out of 10 sufferers, a new review has discovered. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10246 HHS Awards $17 Million in a New National Initiative to Fight Health Care-Associated Infections Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:36:00 EST HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the award of $17 million to fund projects to fight costly and dangerous health care-associated infections, or HAIs. "When patients go to the hospital, they expect to get better, not worse," Secretary Sebelius said.

http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10244 The tell-tale signs of breast cancer in women on HRT Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:47:00 EST Women who've started taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can tell if they're going to develop breast cancer from a simple change in their body. Those whose breasts suddenly become tender after starting estrogen plus progestin HRT are far more likely to have breast cancer, a new study has discovered. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10233 Check your neighbourhood to see if you''ll get diabetes Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:48:00 EST Want to know if you're going to develop diabetes? You don't have to see a doctor, instead, take a look around your neighbourhood and you'll get a pretty good idea. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10235 Kidney sufferers die from inactivity, not the disease Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:49:00 EST Kidney disease isn't anywhere near as fatal as doctors believe. Instead, sufferers are more likely to die from an inactive lifestyle. People with chronic kidney disease can dramatically extend their life expectancy just by getting off the couch and exercising, researchers have discovered. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10236 Major drug causes skin lesions, and even life-threatening blood disorder Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:50:00 EST One of the world's most widely used drugs can cause skin lesions, and may even lead to a life-threatening reduction in blood platelets, researchers have discovered. Heparin is an anti-coagulant, and is used to prevent an increase in abnormal blood clots in conditions such as DVT (deep vein thrombosis), pulmonary embolism, (blood clots in the lungs), and angina. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10237 Flu pandemic deaths may have been caused by drug Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:52:00 EST As drug companies prepare to launch their swine flu vaccine, researchers have this week discovered that a drug, and not a virus, may have been responsible for many of the deaths that occurred during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10238 A simple test to discover your chances of a heart attack Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:54:00 EST If you've reached the ripe old age of 40 or over, and you're wondering how likely you are to suffer a sudden heart attack or stroke, here's a very simple test to help you find out. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10239 Antidepressants cause developmental problems in babies Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:55:00 EST Women who take antidepressants when they're pregnant increase the risk of a preterm birth and a baby that has developmental problems. Around one in 10 women suffer from prenatal depression, and they're regularly prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressants. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10240 Why cholesterol is good for us Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:56:00 EST We live at a time when we're obsessed with the need to lower our cholesterol levels, but a new study reminds us just how important it is for maintaining health. Cholesterol is vital for brain development and functioning, and it's needed to help form brain cells, say Swedish researchers. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10241 Soy reduces risks of diabetes and heart disease Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:57:00 EST Soy, the bean used in tofu, tempeh and soya milk, can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease, a new study claims. Soy is rich in isoflavones, a bioactive compound that interacts with genes that have a protective effect. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10242 Majority of Americans not Meeting Recommendations for Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:18:00 EST No U.S. state is meeting national objectives for consumption of fruits and vegetables, according to the first report to provide state–by–state data about fruit and vegetable consumption and policies that may help Americans eat more fruits and vegetables. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10243 Herbal medicine and acupuncture under threat in the UK Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:43:00 EST Herbal medicine, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are under serious threat in the UK. Trade bodies believe these therapies could even cease to exist in Britain within a few years. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10232 U-M doctor working to get neurologists in the game when it comes to sports injuries Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:24:00 EST Ann Arbor, Mich. — On the football field, the hockey rink or wrestling mat, an athletes' head can take a beating — and a University of Michigan neurologist is leading the charge to help doctors who treat the brain better understand those sports injuries. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10230 Multiple Sclerosis Researchers to Meet in Boston to Design Largest-Ever Vitamin D Study Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:09:00 EST Researchers from around the country will meet at the Hyatt Regency, Boston to evaluate the feasibility of conducting what would be the largest clinical study ever undertaken to explore the role that Vitamin D may play in Multiple Sclerosis. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10231 Recession may help you live longer Tue, 6 Oct 2009 17:38:00 EST There's one good piece of news about the current credit crunch and recession, it will probably mean you'll live longer. The Great Depression of the early 1930s added around six years to everyone's life expectancy, while the economic booms shortened life. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10228 Get a pet for a healthier, and fitter, you Tue, 6 Oct 2009 17:39:00 EST If you want to stay healthy, get yourself a pet. It can help lower your blood pressure, improve your psychological health, and encourage you to exercise. Studies have shown that pet ownership can have ‘multiple health and emotional benefits for both children and adults', says James Griffin of the US's National Institute for Child Health and Human Development. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10229 Isolation can make cancer worse Tue, 6 Oct 2009 17:25:00 EST Cancer could be made worse if you're living an isolated life. Breast cancer tumour growth increases among those who live alone, and who rarely go out and socially mix with others. Our social interaction could have a profound affect on a range of chronic diseases, and not just breast cancer, believe researchers. http://www.healthy.net/scr/news.asp?Id=10225