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No link between dyslexia and lack of musical ability

There is no link between a lack of musical ability and dyslexia. Moreover, attempts to treat dyslexia with music therapy are unwarranted, according to scientists in Belgium writing in the current issue of the International Journal of Arts and Technology.

9 Apr 2010

Researchers make dramatic strides in understanding and treating leukemia

In the past decade, researchers have made dramatic strides in understanding and treating leukemia, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

9 Apr 2010

Millions of children in developing world have no access to clean water, latrines at school, report finds

A report, released this week by UNICEF during the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development conference, documents the challenges many schoolchildren in developing countries face in accessing safe drinking water and sanitation, United Press International reports (4/6).

9 Apr 2010

Ten loopholes and problem areas in new federal health reform law

Consumer Watchdog called on President Obama and Congress in a letter sent today to fix ten problem areas in the new federal health reform law that, if not addressed, will be exploited by health insurers and drug companies looking to charge more for less health care.

9 Apr 2010

Bill to stop under 18s using sunbeds passed by the House of Lords

The private member's bill to protect children and teenagers from the dangers of sunbeds was passed today by the House of Lords after Cancer Research UK's campaign.

9 Apr 2010

Roughly 100,000 people are dropped from Tennessee's Medicaid program

Kaiser Health News: "About 100,000 people -- mostly elderly or disabled residents -- have been dropped [from Tennessee's Medicaid program] since January 2009, including approximately 37,000 who had relied on the state program for all their health care needs. Coverage for 8,000 children was also reassessed, but a TennCare spokeswoman said the number of children ultimately cut from the program could not be verified.

9 Apr 2010

Triclosan antibacterial found in soap in the spotlight

If a chemical is banned in other countries and by the European Union, it does merit a study by the FDA, even if there is no existing study to suggest that it is harmful to humans. While there may be no current evidence available that triclosan is hazardous to humans, it has been linked to hormone alterations in animals.

9 Apr 2010

Tennessee removes about 100,000 people from Medicaid rolls

Anita Wadhwani reports for Kaiser Health News: "After losing the use of her arms and legs in a car accident five years ago, Jessica Pipkin received around-the-clock nursing care through Tennessee's Medicaid program.

9 Apr 2010

Kids who walk are on track to better health

Children who walk to school are more physically active in their day-to-day activities around their neighbourhood than those children who are driven to school, a new study finds.

8 Apr 2010

First Edition: April 8, 2010

Today's health policy news coverage explores the political and policy implications of the new health reform law.

8 Apr 2010

Potential toxicity of zinc nanoparticles in sunscreen products

Scientists are reporting that particle size affects the toxicity of zinc oxide, a material widely used in sunscreens. Particles smaller than 100 nanometers are slightly more toxic to colon cells than conventional zinc oxide. Solid zinc oxide was more toxic than equivalent amounts of soluble zinc, and direct particle to cell contact was required to cause cell death. Their study is in ACS' Chemical Research in Toxicology, a monthly journal.

8 Apr 2010

Study shows benefits of oxytocin nasal spray in children with ASD

Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders usually diagnosed in childhood. Children with ASDs have impairments in social interactions and communication, and a tendency towards repetitive behaviors. A hallmark of autism is a difficulty in understanding and reciprocating the emotion of others.

8 Apr 2010

Meltdown Station provides educational material to help children learn healthy lifestyle skills

With the childhood obesity epidemic finally at the front line, first lady Mrs. Obama has taken the initiative to do something about it, but what is she doing? The first lady Mrs. Obama started the Let's Move! Initiative and stated in a press conference "that the goal of the program is to reverse the trend toward childhood obesity in one generation."

8 Apr 2010

Survey reveals retiree confidence in Medicare eroding

A March 2010 independent survey of 1,472 retirees covered by Medicare revealed that while 59% are "very" or "somewhat" confident Medicare will be available the rest of their lives, just 20% have the same confidence it will be here for the succeeding generation. In fact, 62% of respondents are not confident that Medicare will be here for their children.

8 Apr 2010

Individuals should act now to prepare for major tax hikes: Kahler Financial Group

The ink is barely dry on the health care bill but individuals should act now to prepare for major tax hikes and possibly higher interest rates, which could increase borrowing costs and require the need to reallocate some investment assets. That's the call from fee-only financial planner Rick Kahler, president of the largest financial planning firm in the seven-state Midwest region, Kahler Financial Group.

8 Apr 2010

Americans are getting heavier younger and carrying extra weight for longer periods: Study

It was a provocative prediction that due to the obesity epidemic Baby Boomers may outlive their children.

8 Apr 2010

New strategies to help allergy sufferers survive the winds of spring, summer

Every spring and summer, millions of Americans dread the trip to the park, the playground, or participating in any of the myriad activities that trigger outdoor allergy symptoms.

8 Apr 2010

Common myths about teens dispelled

The new book, The Teen Years Explained: A Guide to Healthy Adolescent Development, dispels many common myths about adolescence with the latest scientific findings on the physical, emotional, cognitive, sexual and spiritual development of teens. Authors Clea McNeely and Jayne Blanchard from the Center for Adolescent Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, provide useful tips and strategies for real-life situations and experiences from bullying, to nutrition and sexuality.

8 Apr 2010

UNC Charlotte researcher improves lives of families and children affected by birth defects

Birth defects remain a leading cause of death in the first year of life. According to the March of Dimes, every 3 to 4 minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. About 1 in every 33 infants is affected by birth defects.

8 Apr 2010

ICRC will nearly triple aid to combat food shortages, drought in Niger and Mali

The International Committee of the Red Cross announced Tuesday that it plans to increase aid to Niger and Mali, "where several million people are suffering from serious food shortages triggered by drought," SAPA/News24 reports.

8 Apr 2010