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Sorority members were urged to lie about their health

University of Missouri-Columbia sorority members were urged to lie about their health to qualify as donors in a blood drive at the University, a school that once set a world record for blood collection.

12 Apr 2004

San Diego seawater contains neurotoxin that can poison human consumers of shellfish

Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego, have documented for the first time in San Diego seawater the presence of a neurotoxin that has been known to poison marine mammals, birds and human consumers of shellfish.

12 Apr 2004

Continuous insulin monitoring does not raise hospital costs

Patients with diabetes whose glucose is continually monitored after coronary bypass artery graft surgery do not incur higher medical costs despite the additional testing, Penn State Diabetes Center researchers report.

12 Apr 2004

Vision loss in over 40's is becoming a major public health problem

With the aging of the population, the number of Americans with major eye diseases is increasing, and vision loss is becoming a major public health problem. By the year 2020, the number of people who are blind or have low vision is projected to increase substantially. These findings appear in the April issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

12 Apr 2004

AMA tackles health literacy

An estimated 90 million adults – nearly half the adults in America – have trouble understanding medical terms and directions, according to two studies published on April 8 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

12 Apr 2004

Household molds trigger allergic rhinitis

April showers can increase the amount of mold found inside and outside the home. Along with pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, molds are an important trigger of allergic rhinitis, affecting nearly 40 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

12 Apr 2004

$4.5 million overweight and obesity prevention initiative launched

The N.C. Health & Wellness Trust Fund Commission (HWTFC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) launched Fit Together, a long-term, comprehensive statewide overweight and obesity prevention initiative uniting $4.5 million in public and private resources.

12 Apr 2004

Green tea helps kill cells of the most common leukemia

Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that a component in green tea helps kill cells of the most common leukemia in the United States.

12 Apr 2004

Birth of First Deadly Jellyfish In Captivity Could Lead To Anti-Venom

The first Irukandji jellyfish to be bred in captivity have been born in Townsville, Australia. ‘Irukandji syndrome' is a painful and debilitating set of symptoms that has caused the deaths of at least two people on the Great Barrier Reef. Up to seven species of jellyfish found in northern Australian waters are thought to be responsible for the syndrome, but only one, Carukia barnesi , is a proven culprit.

11 Apr 2004

Why business is bad for your health

Downsizing in the workplace has been associated with increased sickness absence. However, few data are available on the possible health effects, on individuals, of rapid expansion.

11 Apr 2004

Sponsors of Medicare-approved discount cards will begin marketing their cards

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced last week that 28 private sponsors will offer 49 different Medicare-sponsored drug discount cards, beginning June 1. Additionally, 43 private health plans have received CMS approval to offer Medicare drug discount cards to their members only.

11 Apr 2004

FDA claims high levels of lead in Mexican candy

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is aware of a problem associated with lead contamination of some Mexican candy products being sold in the United States and is suggesting that parents, care providers and other responsible individuals do not allow children to eat these products at this time.

11 Apr 2004

Government warns medicare drug card sponsors

Medicare card sponsors of drug discount cards who pay pharmacists to attract customers to their cards could violate federal fraud and abuse laws, health inspectors warned Friday.

10 Apr 2004

Texan health care deficit of $582 million

Texan state health care officials announce programmes for low income families will make for a budget deficit of $582 million by the end of the financal year. Primarily due to an increased amount of services being provided. The current deficit almost equals the amount taken out of the Medicaid budget last year.

10 Apr 2004

Australian symposium on stroke and head injury

A condition which leaves some stroke and head injury victims unable to see half their world will be the subject of a one-day symposium being hosted by Southern Cross University (SCU) this week.

10 Apr 2004

New database for U.S. makers of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices

A new international database has been released that identifies measurement procedures and materials that will help U.S. makers of in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices ensure that their products comply with European Union requirements.

9 Apr 2004

New AMA guide on treating foodborne illness

In partnership with a national nursing organization and several federal agencies, the AMA released an educational guide on April 7 about how health care professionals should identify and treat foodborne illnesses. "Diagnosis and Management of Foodborne Illnesses: A Primer for Physicians and Other Health Care Professionals" contains charts, scenarios and a continuing medical education section. It is free to health care professionals.

8 Apr 2004

Shunning shoulder pain can cause more damage in the long run

Senator John Kerry is one of the millions of Americans suffering from shoulder pain. Depending on the nature of the problem, conservative nonoperative methods of treatment are often recommended before surgery. However, in some instances such as Kerry’s, surgery is necessary in order to prevent more difficulties later. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises those suffering shoulder pain to consult their doctor instead of ignoring the pain. Early, correct diagnosis and treatment of shoulder problems can make a significant difference in the long run.

7 Apr 2004

Pharmacopeia announces that proposed spin-off of Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery, Inc. unit is expected to occur by the end of April 2004

Pharmacopeia, Inc. today announced that the proposed spin-off of its Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery, Inc. (PDD) unit is expected to occur by the end of April 2004. The Pharmacopeia Board of Directors intends to meet next week to consider final approval of the pro rata distribution to stockholders of 100% of the common stock of PDD.

7 Apr 2004

Boston University Professor Offers Tips for Healthy Gardening and Other Activities

Do you find yourself hesitating to perform favorite springtime activities because of the pain and discomfort associated with bending and kneeling? A Boston University (BU) occupational therapy professor has a solution to this problem, which affects thousands of people each year.

7 Apr 2004