Health Behavior News Service: Latest Research News

Study Illuminates Ethnic Disparities in Diabetes and Cognitive Impairment

01/31/2012, Ethnicity and Disease, A new study finds that decreasing the disparities in rates of type 2 diabetes among Whites, Blacks and Hispanics could eliminate some racial and ethnic disparities in the development of cognitive impairment or dementia. Prior research has shown that type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for all forms of major cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease, according to a study in Ethnicity & Disease.

Most People Fudge Numbers on Weight and Height Surveys

01/27/2012, Ethnicity and Disease, When people in the U.S. are asked to provide their weight for research surveys, they underestimate their weight and overestimate their height, despite numerous public reports about increasing rates of obesity. Whites are more likely to do so than Blacks or Hispanics, finds a new study in Ethnicity and Disease.

Electronic Health Records Could Improve Care for Type 2 Diabetics

01/24/2012, Health Services Research, Use of electronic health records shows promise for improving care and outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but still has considerable room for improvement, according to a new study in the journal Health Services Research.

Peer Passengers Are Bad News for Teen Drivers

01/24/2012, Journal of Adolescent Health, Two new studies in the February Journal of Adolescent Health reviewed key factors shown to influence teen driving behaviors: perception of driving risks, parental monitoring and the presence of peer passengers.

For Diabetics Not on Insulin, Self-Monitoring Blood Sugar Has No Benefit

01/19/2012, The Cochrane Library, For type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin, monitoring their blood sugar does little to control blood sugar levels over time and may not be worth the effort or expense, according to a new evidence review in The Cochrane Library.

Teens Have Fewer Behavioral Issues When Parents Stay Involved

01/19/2012, Journal of Adolescent Health, When parents of middle school students participate in school-based, family interventions, it can reduce problem behavior, according to new research released online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Recommended Services Not Always Given During Patients' Annual Exams

01/17/2012, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, New research finds that patients may not always receive all of the screening tests and counseling services that are due during their medical checkups, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Signs Prove Effective in Prompting People to Use Stairs Instead of Elevator

01/17/2012, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Signs that read, "Burn Calories, Not Electricity" posted in lobbies of New York City buildings, motivated more people to take the stairs?and continue to use them even months later, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Workplace Support for Front-Line Health Workers Creates Higher Job Satisfaction

01/12/2012, Health Services Research, Frontline health workers-including nursing assistants, paramedics and pharmacy technicians-who received a combination of benefits and support from their employers had greater job satisfaction and provided a higher perceived quality of care, finds a new study in Health Services Research.

Girls Report More Mental Distress and Are Prescribed More Psychiatric Drugs than Boys

01/10/2012, Journal of Adolescent Health, More than 15 percent of Norwegian teenagers ages 15 to 16 reported "mental distress," or symptoms of depression and anxiety, with significantly more girls reporting distress than boys, according to a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Girls with mental distress were also more likely than their male counterparts to be prescribed psychiatric drugs.

Family Support Motivates Mexican-Americans to Adopt Healthy Habits

01/05/2012, American Journal of Health Promotion, Encouragement from family members helps motivate Mexican-American adults to eat more fruits and vegetables and to engage in regular exercise, according to a new study in the current issue of American Journal of Health Promotion.

Team Lotteries Motivate Employees to Participate in Wellness Programs

01/05/2012, American Journal of Health Promotion, Team lotteries might increase employee participation in health assessments for corporate wellness programs, finds a new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion.

Mammogram Rates Lower for Mexican Women in U.S.

12/20/2011, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, Mexican women in the United States are less likely to get mammograms than white women, black women and other Latinas, according to a new study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Breast Cancer Patients More Satisfied When Specialists Share Care Management

12/15/2011, Health Services Research, Patients with breast cancer report greater satisfaction when their cancer doctor co-manages care with other specialists, finds a new study in Health Services Research.

Feelings of Depression and Binge Eating Go Hand in Hand in Teen Girls

12/13/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Teenage girls who feel depressed are twice as likely to start binge eating as other girls are, according to a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health. The reverse is also true: Girls who engage in regular binge eating face double the normal risk of depressive symptoms.

HPV Vaccine Does Not Appear to Encourage Risky Sexual Behavior

12/13/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Young women who receive recommended vaccinations to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated cancers do not engage in more sexually risky behavior, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Racial Disparities in Colon Cancer Screening Persist Despite Insurance, Access

12/12/2011, Health Services Research, Public health researchers have long attributed the disparity in colonoscopy rates between whites and minorities to a lack of health insurance or access to doctors. Now, a new study in the journal Health Services Research suggests the reasons for the differences are more complex.

Group Programs to Prevent Childhood Depression Prove Effective

12/07/2011, The Cochrane Library, Psychological interventions to prevent depression in children and adolescents can be useful, with protective effects that last for up to a year, finds a new systematic review in The Cochrane Library.

Youth with Behavior Problems Are More Likely to Have Thought of Suicide

12/06/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Children who show early signs of problem behavior are more likely to have thought of killing or harming themselves, suggests new research in the latest issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Socially Active Older Adults Have Slower Rates of Health Declines

12/01/2011, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Older adults who maintain high levels of social engagement or ramp up their social life as they age may be protected from declines in physical and cognitive health, according to a study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior.

Doctor-Patient Relationship Influences Patient Engagement

11/29/2011, Health Services Research, Patients who feel their physicians treat them with respect and fairness, communicate well and engage with them outside of the office setting are more active in their own health care, according to new study in Health Services Research.

No Difference in Side-Effects When Switching or Adding Antidepressants

11/17/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Patients with depression who fail to see improvement after taking an antidepressant often have their initial medication switched or combined with a second drug. The perception of potential side effects has influenced clinician decisions about which strategy to take. New research now suggests one strategy may not be any more likely to be harmful than the other.

Pre-Existing Hypertension Linked to Depression in Pregnant Women

11/10/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Women with a history of high blood pressure before getting pregnant have a higher risk of depression than women who develop pregnancy-related hypertension, according to a new study.

Cognitive Reframing Can Help Dementia Caregivers with Depression, Stress

11/09/2011, The Cochrane Library, A new evidence review from the Netherlands finds that a psychotherapy technique called cognitive reframing can help reduce caregivers' stress when they are caring for loved ones with dementia.

Sweetener Found In Gum May Prevent Ear Infections In Children

11/09/2011, The Cochrane Library, There is "fair evidence" to support the use of xylitol, a natural sweetener used in gums and mints, to prevent inner ear infections in healthy children, a new evidence review finds.

Daily Exercise, Minimized Computer Time for Optimal Sleep in Teens

11/08/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Daily exercise improves a teenager's chances of a good night's sleep, while excess computer time has the opposite effect, according to a new study.

Elderly Hospital Patients with Delirium More Likely to Die Within A Year

11/08/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Hospital patients over 65 who are referred for a psychiatric consultation and found to have delirium are more likely than those without delirium to die within one year following diagnosis, according to a new study published in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry.

Employee Programs Teaching Health Care "Consumer" Skills May Also Produce Health Benefits

10/31/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, A workplace program designed to teach employees to act more like consumers when they make health care decisions, for example, by finding and evaluating health information or choosing a benefit plan, also improved exercise, diet and other health habits, according to a new study in the latest issue of the American Journal of Health Promotion.

Recent Veterans in College Engage in Riskier Health Behaviors

10/31/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, College students who have served in the U.S. conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are more likely than their non-veteran peers to use tobacco, drink in excess and engage in other behaviors that endanger their health and safety, according to a study that appeared in the latest issue of American Journal of Health Promotion.

Doctors Often Overrate How Well They Speak a Second Language

10/27/2011, Health Services Research, New research shows that physicians who say they are fluent in a second language may be overestimating their actual skills.

Ethnic Differences in Appointment Keeping Affect Health of Diabetes Patients

10/27/2011, Health Services Research, Ethnic differences in appointment keeping may be an important factor in poor health outcomes among some minority patients with diabetes, according to a new study.

Lack of Health Insurance Linked to Fewer Asthma Diagnoses in Children

10/27/2011, Health Services Research, Providing health insurance to more children could lead to diagnosing additional cases of mild or intermittent asthma, a new study shows. Some who treat childhood asthma say this could increase the number of kids receiving medication to control their asthma symptoms and seeking care for asthma flares.

E-Learning Programs May Do Little to Change Eating Habits

10/26/2011, Health Technology Assessment, With more people turning to the Internet and smart phones to help them with everything from exercising to quitting smoking, it appears applications, or "apps" as they are popularly known, intended to change eating habits may not make much of a difference, according to a new review.

Depressive Symptoms May Make Asthma Control More Difficult

10/25/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, People with asthma are more likely to have symptoms of depression. Those with asthma and depressive symptoms are more likely to sleep less, be physically inactive and smoke than asthmatic people without symptoms of depression. The combination of mental distress and asthma may lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms and an overall decline in health.

Second-Hand Smoke in China Puts Children at Risk

10/11/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, The prevalence of smoking in China may contribute to children's second-hand smoke exposure and resulting respiratory symptoms.

Sidewalks, Crime Affect Women's Physical Activity Throughout U.S.

10/11/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Getting women to meet the U.S. federal government's recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity remains a huge challenge. A large new study shows that where women live affects just how likely they are to exercise.

Excluding Hypertension, Review Finds Calcium Supplements Have No Benefit During Pregnancy

10/05/2011, The Cochrane Library, Most physicians instruct pregnant women to increase their calcium intake, but a new evidence review of potential benefits of calcium supplementation for mom and baby found none, except for the treatment of pregnancy-related hypertension.

Review: Taking Blood Pressure Drugs at Night Slightly Improves Control

10/05/2011, The Cochrane Library, Patients who take certain popular types of blood pressure medication once a day are able to achieve somewhat better control of their hypertension if they take their daily dose at bedtime, according to a new systematic review.

Patients with Implanted Cardiac Devices Should Learn about End-of-Life Options

10/04/2011, American Journal of Nursing, An implanted device meant to correct heart rhythm may generate repeated painful shocks during a patient's final hours, at a time when the natural process of dying often affects the heart's rhythm.

Routine Follow-up Mammography Benefits Breast Cancer Survivors

09/28/2011, Health Technology Assessment, After breast cancer surgery, a follow-up regimen that includes regular mammograms offers a survival benefit over a follow-up regimen that does not include mammograms, according to a new systematic review.

Safety Net Hospital Closures Hit Poor, Uninsured Hardest

09/19/2011, Health Services Research, When safety net hospitals close or switch from not-for-profit to for-profit status, certain vulnerable groups suffer disproportionately, a new study finds.

No Proof That Smartphone Apps Help Drinkers Reduce Alcohol Use

09/15/2011, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, If you're looking for an app to help you cut back on alcohol consumption, few exist and what is available has not yet been demonstrated to work, according to a new study.

Review: Probiotics Have Slight Preventive Effect on Colds

09/15/2011, The Cochrane Library, Taking probiotics seems to provide both children and adults with a mild degree of protection against many upper respiratory tract infections including the common cold, according to a new systematic review.

Reminder Packaging Helps Patients Take Medications as Directed

09/13/2011, The Cochrane Library, People with chronic illnesses are more likely to take long-term medications according to doctors' instructions if the packaging includes a reminder system, according to a new review of evidence

Mold Removal in Homes, Offices Could Cut Respiratory Illness

09/08/2011, The Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane review finds that ridding homes and offices of mold and dampness can help reduce respiratory infections and troubling symptoms for asthma sufferers.

Even Outside "Stroke Belt," African-Americans Face Higher Mortality

09/01/2011, Ethnicity and Disease, African-Americans and country folk outside the so-called "stroke belt" are at higher risk for stroke death than other populations, a large new study finds.

For Some Surgeries, More Is Better When Choosing Hospitals

09/01/2011, Health Services Research, Hospitals with higher surgical volumes for certain procedures are less likely to cause unintentional serious injuries to hospitalized patients when compared to those hospitals that perform the procedures less often.

Natural Surroundings Might Lower Obesity

09/01/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, New research from North Carolina finds that people who live in counties with better weather and more natural features like hills and lakes are more active and thinner than their counterparts.

Smoking Bans Motivate Even Reluctant Women to Quit

09/01/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, A new study finds that women smokers who live and work where bans are enforced, even those had no previous plans to stop smoking, are more likely to attempt quitting.

Stressed-Out Workers Less Likely to Stick With Wellness Centers

08/31/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, Asking people who join a gym, fitness or wellness center just one short question about their stress level can identify those who are at risk of health problems and poor health habits, according to a new study.

Black, Hispanic, Poor Young Women Less Likely to Complete HPV Vaccinations

08/30/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Barriers that hinder young African-American, Hispanic and poor women from completing a series of three vaccinations to prevent human papillomavirus infection (HPV) also leave them at higher risk for cervical cancer and death.

Dieting Beats Exercise for Diabetes Prevention, Combination Is Best

08/30/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study suggests that to prevent diabetes in postmenopausal women, dietary weight loss alone is effective while exercise alone is not effective, and both together are best of all.

Prejudice Linked to Depression, Anxiety in Gay and Bisexual Black Men

08/30/2011, Depression Research and Treatment, The harassment, discrimination and negative feelings about homosexuality that black gay and bisexual men often experience can contribute significantly to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, a small new study finds.

Americans Face Barriers to Health Care Beyond Cost

08/19/2011, Health Services Research, Just getting to the doctor, making appointments and taking time off from work or other responsibilities are major hindrances for some people to getting the medical care they need.

Doctors, Nurses Often Use Holistic Medicine for Themselves

08/19/2011, Health Services Research, U.S. health care workers, especially doctors and nurses, use complementary and alternative medicine far more than do workers in other fields, according to a new study.

Excess Weight in Young Adulthood Predicts Shorter Lifespan

08/16/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Those 25-year-olds who are overweight now but think they will be fine as long as they lose weight eventually might need to reconsider.

Patient Navigators Might Reduce Disparities in Cancer Care

08/16/2011, Cancer, Past research shows that minorities suffer higher rates of advanced cancer and deaths from all types of cancer compared to whites. The role of "patient navigator" is emerging as a tool to address these disparities.

Impulsive Alcoholics Likely to Die Sooner

08/15/2011, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Alcohol and impulsivity are a dangerous mix: People with drinking problems and poor impulse control are more likely to die in the next 15 years, a new study suggests.

Caffeine Can Ease a Spinal Tap Headache

08/09/2011, The Cochrane Library, People who suffer headaches after a spinal tap might have a relatively simple way to ease the painful throb: a caffeine tablet.

Premature Ejaculation Therapy Not Supported by Evidence

08/09/2011, The Cochrane Library, A new review finds little reliable research to support treating premature ejaculation by teaching men how to control their bodies with their minds.

High School Students Today Less Likely to Be Heavy Smokers

08/02/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Of the 19.5 percent of high school students who call themselves smokers, most don't smoke daily or frequently.

With Diabetes, Untreated Depression Can Lead to Serious Eye Disease

07/28/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Patients with diabetes who also suffer from depression are more likely to develop a serious complication known as diabetic retinopathy, a disease that damages the eye's retina, a five-year study finds.

Parents' Military Deployments Take Emotional Toll on Teens

07/26/2011, American Journal of Public Health, When military deployments call for their parents to serve abroad, adolescents have a tough time adjusting, and a new study shows their moods often lead to risky behavior.

Sexually Victimized Girls With PTSD Not More Likely to Binge Drink Later

07/26/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common outcome of sexual assault among many teenage girls, but they do not necessarily cope by binge drinking, a new study finds.

After an Emergency, Comprehensive Care Is Best for Older Patients

07/21/2011, The Cochrane Library, Older people rushed to the emergency room are more likely to be living at home up to a year later if they receive a comprehensive and age-appropriate evaluation during their hospital stay.

Teen Well-Being Spills Over Into Young Adult Health

07/19/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study finds that teens with a positive sense of well-being are more likely to report being healthy in young adulthood.

Drug Speeds Up Slow Labor but Doesn't Prevent C-Sections

07/14/2011, The Cochrane Library, A new review says that oxytocin, a medication often used to quicken slow-paced labor in its early stages, doesn't decrease a woman's risk of having a complicated birth involving forceps or a cesarean section.

Modified Fat Diet Key to Lowering Heart Disease Risk

07/12/2011, The Cochrane Library, A new evidence review finds that a modified fat diet - rather than a low fat diet - might be the real key to reducing one's risk of heart disease.

Strength Training Curbs Hip, Spinal Bone Loss in Women With Osteoporosis

07/12/2011, The Cochrane Library, An updated review of studies confirms that compared to staying sedentary, strength exercises boost bone density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Teen Weight Began to Rise in 1990s, New Study Finds

07/12/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study that looks at weight change over decades finds that the obesity epidemic in teens and young adults has its roots in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when body weights began to rise. But not everyone was affected equally.

Large Study Reaffirms H1N1, Seasonal Flu Vaccine Safety

07/05/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccines do not put patients at risk for neurologic conditions, a large new study shows.

Losing Weight, Keeping It Off Might Require Distinct Skill Sets

07/05/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Practices that help people lose weight and practices that help them keep it off do not overlap much.

Health Insurance Doesn't Always Protect People From Medical Debt

06/30/2011, American Journal of Public Health, A new study confirms that having health insurance coverage is no guarantee against accumulating medical debt for working-age adults.

Obese Mexican-Americans Lack Diet, Exercise Advice From Doctors

06/30/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, Only half of obese Mexican-American adults receive diet and exercise advice from their physicians, although obesity is on the rise for this group.

African-Americans With Thyroid Cancer Fare Worse Than Whites

06/21/2011, Ethnicity & Disease, African-Americans have fewer incidences of thyroid cancer but have a more advanced form of the disease once they receive a diagnosis - and are more likely to die from it, according to a new study.

Obese Girls More Than Twice as Likely to Be Addicted to Smoking

06/21/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Obese teenage girls are more than twice as likely as other girls to develop high-level nicotine addiction as young adults, according to a new study.

Treatment for Minority Stroke Patients Improves at Top-ranked Hospitals

06/21/2011, Ethnicity & Disease, A new study suggests there has been some improvement in reducing the gap in stroke hospitalization between white and minority patients.

Young Asian/Pacific Islander Women in Calif. Face Higher Breast Cancer Risk

06/21/2011, Ethnicity & Disease, Young Asian/Pacific Islander women born in California have higher risks of breast cancer than young white women, and some groups, including Filipinas, might have higher risks than African-Americans.

Early Interventions for Schizophrenia Look Promising, but Evidence Is Inconclusive

06/14/2011, The Cochrane Library, Many physicians and researchers believe that early intervention can increase the chances for recovery, reduce recurrences and even keep the warning signs of psychosis from progressing to the actual disease. A new systematic review evaluates the evidence.

Easing Distress in Caregivers of Dying Patients

06/14/2011, The Cochrane Library, Interventions can buffer caregivers of terminally ill patients from the significant stresses they face in providing care to a loved one, a new Cochrane review finds.

Review: Statins Helpful, But No Quick Fix After Cardiac Emergency

06/14/2011, The Cochrane Library, Over the long term, treatment with cholesterol-lowering statins reduces the rate of mortality and cardiovascular events such as heart attack. Still, it is unclear whether these drugs take effect rapidly when the risk of these dire events is highest.

Bisexual, Lesbian Women Less Likely to Get Pap Tests

06/07/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study finds that young bisexual and lesbian women are less likely to get Pap tests than straight women, while young bisexual women face a higher risk of being diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases.

Most Primary Care Physicians Don't Address Patients' Weight

06/07/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Fewer than half of primary care physicians talk to their patients about diet, exercise and weight management consistently, while pediatricians are somewhat more likely to do so, according to two new studies.

Medicare Spending Linked to Longer Life, Better Health in Elderly

05/23/2011, Health Services Research, Findings of a new study suggest that cutting Medicare spending across the board could result in poorer health outcomes for the elderly.

Young Adults, Teens Prefer Rapid HIV Testing

05/17/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Teens and young adults prefer rapid HIV testing that can deliver results in less than an hour, but some still worry about whether their tests will be confidential.

Researchers Still Searching for Ways to Help Patients Take Their Meds

05/12/2011, The Cochrane Library, Clinicians have tried a variety of ways to encourage people to take prescribed medicines, but a new research review says it is still unclear whether many of these interventions have been effective.

Serious Distress Linked to Higher Health Care Spending

05/12/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Sufferers of serious psychological distress spend an average of $1,735 more on health care each year compared to those without the condition.

Antiretroviral Drugs Dramatically Reduce Risk of Passing HIV to Healthy Partners

05/10/2011, The Cochrane Library, When one partner in a couple is infected with HIV and the other isn't, treatment with antiretroviral drugs can dramatically lower the chances of the infected partner passing along the disease to his or her mate, a new evidence review finds.

Some School-Based Programs Curb Alcohol Misuse, Review Finds

05/10/2011, The Cochrane Library, School prevention programs aimed at curbing alcohol misuse in children are somewhat helpful, enough so to deserve consideration for widespread use, according to a large, international systematic review.

Inner-City Health Centers Could Do More to Boost Breastfeeding

05/06/2011, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Health centers and birth hospitals serving largely minority populations could do more to promote and encourage recommended breastfeeding, according to a new study of Philadelphia safety-net health clinics.

New Study Shows Unmet Dental Needs in Los Angeles Children

05/06/2011, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, The 2007 death of a Maryland child from untreated tooth decay exposed the need for better dental care in families with limited resources. In a new study, researchers found dental care deficits in Los Angeles.

Doctor's Office Is Usually First Stop in Medication Mishaps

05/06/2011, Health Services Research, Medication mishaps are a widely recognized problem in health care and a new study finds that ambulatory care settings, not ERs, deal with them most.

Better Labeling Could Help Thwart Acetaminophen Overdose

05/03/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, When misused, acetaminophen - marketed as Tylenol - can lead to acute liver failure and worse, often due to accidental overdose by an uninformed consumer. A new small study looks at what's missing in consumer education and how to overcome those gaps.

Overdoses of Popular Painkiller Send Thousands to ER Each Year

05/03/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Overdose of the common household drug acetaminophen leads to more than 78,000 emergency department visits a year, and the majority of the overdoses are intentional, according to a new CDC study.

African-Americans More Active Users of Smoking "Quitlines"

04/29/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, African-Americans are consistently more likely than white smokers to use telephone help lines to quit smoking, finds a long-term California study.

Children With Bedroom TVs Might Be at Greater Obesity Risk

04/29/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, A study of Hispanic children found that those with TVs in their bedrooms were more likely to be overweight. "Bedroom TVs lead to more screen time, sedentary behavior, less parental support of physical activity and increased fast food intake," researchers found.

Positive Media Campaigns Help Minorities Put Down Cigarettes

04/29/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, Media campaigns that offer positive encouragement can have an impact on getting African-Americans to quit, a new study finds.

RN Staffing Affects Patient Success After Discharge

04/26/2011, Health Services Research, When nurse staffing levels are higher on hospital units, patients tend do to better after discharge, as long as overtime isn't involved.

When Doctors Own or Lease MRI, Back Scans and Surgery More Likely

04/26/2011, Health Services Research, When doctors can self-refer for MRI, patients are more apt to receive scans - and even surgery - for low back pain.

Community-Wide Programs to Encourage Exercise Might Fall Short

04/13/2011, The Cochrane Library, Programs that encourage communities to get more active are one strategy for stemming the global tide of obesity. Yet, a new review of studies says the evidence backing the effectiveness of these programs is poor.

For a Less Biased Study, Try Randomization

04/12/2011, The Cochrane Library, If you're interested in the finer points of medical research, this story's for you.

Safer-Sex Ed for Women Increases Condom Use, Might Reduce Partners

04/12/2011, The Cochrane Library, Teaching young women how to prevent sexually transmitted infections increases condom use and might reduce their number of sexual partners, but do programs reduce disease rates?

Exercising to Government Standards Could Lower Your Death Risk

04/05/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Following federal government recommendations on exercise might lead to a longer life for all adults, according to a new study nearly 250,000 Americans.

Rising Rates of Tubal Pregnancies Cause Concern

04/05/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Ectopic - or tubal - pregnancies can be dangerous for mothers, leading to rupture of the fallopian tube and possible hemorrhage, and they appear to be on the rise, according to a new study.

Health Reform Predicted to Increase Need for Primary Care Providers

03/24/2011, The Milbank Quarterly, Expansion of health care coverage mandated by health reform will push demand for primary care providers sharply upward, and thousands of new physicians are needed to accommodate the increase, a new study finds.

Culture and Stigma Affect Mental Health Care for Latinos

03/22/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, Latinos benefit from antidepressants like everybody else - only they do not use them nearly as often. The trick is getting past some cultural barriers.

Minority Women Might Have Higher Depression Risk During Pregnancy

03/22/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, A new study finds that African-American and Asian/Pacific Islander women have double the risk that others do of becoming depressed before giving birth.

Taking Diabetes Medication Helps Lower Medical Costs, Slightly

03/18/2011, Health Services Research, A new study shows that diabetes patients who do a better job of taking their medication have slightly lower health care costs.

Few Studies Delve Into Hospice Care in Nursing Homes

03/17/2011, Cochrane Library, A new evidence review finds scant high-quality research on the best ways for nursing homes hoping to ease the suffering of older patients through hospice care. Still, the studies suggest that strategies such as teams of specialists and partnerships between nursing homes and hospice care services are essential.

Seniors in Public Housing Suffer Worse Health Than Others in Community

03/16/2011, Ethnicity & Disease, In a study of more than 16,000 older adults, fatigue, cardiac conditions, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis and psychiatric problems were more prevalent among those living in public housing.

Oral Vaccine Could Prevent Half of Cholera Cases, But Less Effective in Kids

03/15/2011, Cochrane Library, Oral cholera vaccines could prevent 52 to 60 percent of cases in the first two years after vaccination.

Pacifiers Don't Interfere With Established Breastfeeding, Review Finds

03/15/2011, Cochrane Library, A new review finds no association between pacifier use and early cessation of nursing.

Black Men at Both Ends of Economic Spectrum at Risk for Depression

03/08/2011, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Jobless African-American men might be at a greater risk of suffering from depression-as are African-American men making $80,000 and upward.

Teens Prefer Liquor to Beer, Hardly Touch Wine

03/08/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Nearly half of American teen drinkers would rather have a shot of liquor than a bottle of beer, a new study finds, and teens who prefer liquor are much more likely to indulge in high-risk behavior.

Want to Go for a Walk? Your Neighborhood Might Play a Part

02/28/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, Making a 30-minute walk part of your daily routine could come down to the positive features that exist in your neighborhood, says a new Australian study.

When Bosses Are Exercise Friendly, Workers Get Their Move On

02/28/2011, American Journal of Health Promotion, Employees at exercise-friendly workplaces get more total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than do others.

Death Rates Remain Higher for Poor Black Americans

02/24/2011, American Journal of Public Health, In 2000, a black, working-aged resident of a poor neighborhood significantly was more likely to die than a white American - a situation that essentially remained unchanged from 20 years earlier.

Pre-Teens Make Their Own Decisions on Diet, Exercise and Weight-loss

02/24/2011, Health Promotion Practice, Eleven-year olds definitely have their own opinions about diet, exercise and weight-loss; and it is mostly their opinions - not those of their parents - that affect their lifestyle changes.

Support Groups Have Built-in Benefits for People with Depression

02/17/2011, General Hospital Psychiatry, People who get together for support with depression may find their symptoms decrease, a new systematic review suggests.

Combined Interventions Ease Job Re-Entry for Cancer Survivors

02/15/2011, Cochrane Library, For cancer survivors who wish to return to work after treatment, a new evidence review suggests that therapies focusing on a wide range of health interventions might best enable them to do so.

For Back Pain, Spinal Manipulation Holds Its Own

02/15/2011, Cochrane Library, If you're suffering from chronic lower back pain, a new review finds that spinal manipulation ? the kind of hands-on regimen that a chiropractor might perform ? is as helpful as other common treatments like painkillers.

Inhaled Epinephrine Confirmed Quick, Effective for Croup

02/15/2011, Cochrane Library, For more than 30 years, pediatricians have treated children who have croup with inhaled epinephrine to relieve their symptoms quickly. Now, a new review confirms the value of this approach.

Radiation Helps Cure Hodgkin's Lymphoma, but Future Cancer Risk a Concern

02/15/2011, Cochrane Library, A systematic review comparing treatments for Hodgkin's lymphoma found a clear advantage to combined chemotherapy and radiation. However, the review did not address long-term side effects associated with radiation.

Interest in E-cigarettes Is High, but Safety and Effectiveness Unknown

02/08/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, While a new study finds that consumer interest in electronic cigarettes runs high, a companion study underscores that e-cigarettes' ability to help smokers cut down or quit is unknown, as is their safety.

iPhone Quit-Smoking Apps Don't Make the Grade

02/08/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study finds that iPhone software applications designed to help people quit smoking fall short of the mark.

Teen's Best Friend: Young Dog Owners More Physically Active

02/08/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, They're furry, fun loving and could be the key to getting your sedentary teen off the couch, finds a new study on dog ownership and adolescent physical activity.

Black and Hispanic Women With Breast Cancer Face Treatment Delays

02/01/2011, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, At a time when access to prompt treatment might affect survival, a large new study finds that African-American and Hispanic women newly diagnosed with breast cancer often face delays in care of more than a month.

Childhood Chronic Illness Affects Future Income, Education, Career

02/01/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, For some children, serious illness can lead to fewer years of education, more joblessness and lower pay as adults.

More Americans Turn to Lower-Cost Alternative Meds, Especially Whites

02/01/2011, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved,

Mechanical Versus Manual CPR-Too Close to Call

01/18/2011, Cochrane Library, Makers say that mechanical devices perform CPR more effectively than human efforts alone. However, a new review comparing mechanical to manual chest compressions has failed to demonstrate that one is superior to the other.

Memory Training Might Not Be Best for Reducing "Senior Moments"

01/18/2011, The Cochrane Library , A new evidence review suggests that memory drills and similar brain-boosting activities are not any better than simple conversations at improving memory in older adults.

After Games, 40 Percent of Sports Fans Have Booze on Board

01/18/2011, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Eight percent of fans who agreed to be tested after attending professional football and baseball games were too drunk to legally drive, a new study finds, and 40 percent had alcohol in their bodies.

Are You Medically Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

01/11/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, How well are the millions of Americans with a disability or chronic disease prepared for a natural disaster like a hurricane or tropical storm?

Most Seniors Don't Get Shingles Vaccination, CDC Finds

01/11/2011, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Less than 7 percent of U.S. seniors chose to receive the shingles vaccination as of 2008, finds a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Parents Want to Talk Sex With Teens, But Fear Advice Falls on Deaf Ears

01/06/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, Kids learn a great deal about sexuality from friends and the media, but parents and teens agree: Parents should be the most important providers of information about sex and sexuality.

Tongue Piercing: Infection More Likely With Metal Jewelry

01/04/2011, Journal of Adolescent Health, A stud or ring in their tongue might be an essential fashion accessory for many young adults, but piercing comes at the cost of medical risks, including infection.

Infants Not Exempt From Obesity Epidemic

12/31/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, A revealing new study finds that obesity might begin in babies as young as nine months old.

Multiple Sclerosis More Linked to Depression in Minorities

12/21/2010, Ethnicity & Disease, For many with multiple sclerosis, the disease wreaks havoc with emotional well being, and according to a new study, minorities might especially be at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

Girls Who Start School Earlier Might Have Lower Obesity Risk

12/14/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Effective strategies to fight youth obesity have been elusive. A new study suggests a simple step that might help cut the problem down to size: start school sooner.

Popping a Pill Can Help Some Alcoholics Curb Drinking

12/14/2010, Cochrane Library, A little-used medication can help treat alcoholism, an evidence review confirms, when combined with counseling, 12-step programs or other interventions.

Treating Women's Depression Might Help Them Lose Weight

12/10/2010, General Hospital Psychiatry, For women coping with obesity and depression, new research finds that improving your mood might be the link to losing weight.

When Mental Health Meds Are Out of Reach, Hospitalization More Likely

12/10/2010, General Hospital Psychiatry, Too often, mental health patients have problems accessing or paying for their prescription drugs under Medicaid. The results - longer hospital stays and more emergency room visits - are hard on patients and costly for the entire health care system, a new study finds.

"White-Noise" Therapy Alone Not Enough to Curb Tinnitus

12/09/2010, Cochrane Library, Tinnitus - what many think of as "ringing in the ears" - is the perception of sound without any real acoustic stimulation. Sound masking therapy, a common component of tinnitus treatment, is of uncertain benefit when used on its own, a new evidence review finds.

Dialysis Center Choice Makes Difference in Death Risk

12/09/2010, Health Services Research, A large study found that patients in certain large chain facilities are significantly more likely to die than those treated elsewhere. Mortality was also higher in for-profit than non-profit dialysis centers.

Stem Cell Treatment Is Effective for Certain Cases of Acute Leukemia

12/09/2010, Health Technology Assessment, Some adults and children with acute leukemia could benefit from certain transplants of blood stem cells, but the benefits are not equal across all cases of leukemia, according to a new review of 15 studies.

Ginseng Might Boost Brain Power, but Evidence Is Weak

12/07/2010, Cochrane Library, Many people believe that the popular herb ginseng can improve thinking ability and prevent or even treat dementia. However, a comprehensive review of research failed to find convincing evidence of these benefits.

Limiting Salt Lowers Blood Pressure and Health Risks in Diabetes

12/07/2010, Cochrane Library, For patients living with diabetes, reducing the amount of salt in their daily diet is key to warding off serious threats to their health, a new review of studies finds.

Depressed Smokers Less Likely to Stay Tobacco Free

12/07/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Depressed smokers want to quit the nicotine habit just as much as non-depressed smokers, but a new study suggests that depression can put a kink in their success.

Heat Injury Rates on the Rise

12/07/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Outdoor exercise and physical activity increase the risk for heat-related injuries, including dangerous heat stroke. Heat injuries are on the rise for all age groups, and football-playing boys are among the most vulnerable.

Kids Who Are Sick Have Fewer Friends, Study Finds

12/07/2010, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, A new study reveals that sick teens are more isolated than other kids, but they do not necessarily realize it and often think their friendships are stronger than they actually are.

Teens Get More Ear Infections When Someone Smokes at Home

12/07/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, In households with secondhand smoke, teens are 1.67 times more prone to have recurrent ear infections.

Childhood Sexual, Physical Abuse Linked to Drinking Problems in Women

11/16/2010, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Women who suffered sexual or physical abuse as children are more likely to abuse alcohol than are others, according to a new study of 3,680 women.

School Vending Machine Choices Affect Overall Diet for Children

11/16/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Vending machines in public schools influence the diets of school children and can affect overall dietary intake and health, depending on what foods they contain.

Instruments Can Assist Birth, But With Risks to Mother, Child

11/09/2010, Cochrane Library, Forceps might be a better instrument than a vacuum cup for assisting a successful birth, but new mothers might experience more trauma and complications after a forceps delivery, according to a new review of studies.

Childhood, Teenage Abuse Raises Diabetes Risk in Women

11/09/2010, Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study of nearly 70,000 women found a clear association between abuse in childhood and adolescence and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adult women.

Unaffordable Housing Might Lead to Poor Health

11/09/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, People who cannot afford their housing are more likely to suffer from poor health, according to a new study, which also found that renters consider themselves less healthy than homeowners.

Nursing Homes Can Reap Financial Gain From Good Report Cards

10/29/2010, Health Services Research, Nursing homes that improve their quality of care - and thereby score high on public report cards - might see financial gains.

Programs Help More Blacks Get Needed Colorectal Cancer Screening

10/29/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, African-Americans are less likely than whites to be screened for colorectal cancer, and the disparity almost certainly contributes to higher mortality. A new review of studies identifies effective strategies for improving the situation, but suggests that work remains to be done.

Specialized Interventions Help Latinos Quit Smoking

10/29/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, Latinos who live the United States are more likely to quit smoking when they take part in an intervention program, finds a systematic review of studies conducted by Monica Webb Hooper, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Miami.

Behavioral Feedback Boosts Online Weight Program

10/28/2010, American Journal of Public Health, In a time when deficits have reduced states' budgets and the services they can provide, a new study shows that the Internet might offer communities a low-cost way to motivate their overweight residents to lose pounds.

Review Favors Newer Type of Radiation for Prostate Cancer

10/27/2010, Health Technology Assessment, A new British review of existing research suggests that while a newer type of radiation for the treatment of prostate cancer does not help patients live longer compared to an older type - at least when similar doses are given - it does appear to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

More People Get Health Screenings When Deductibles Are Waived

10/07/2010, Health Services Research, When they don't have to pay a health insurance deductible, people are more likely to get screened for conditions like cancer and high cholesterol. But the increase is modest, and in high-deductible plans, it is quite small, according to a new study in the journal Health Services Research.

Childhood Asthma Reduces Smoking in Teenage Boys

10/07/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, A boy who has asthma is less likely to smoke as a teenager, according to a new study from Italy.

Kids With Chronic Illness, Disability More Apt to Be Bullied

10/07/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, On top of all the other hardships they face daily, adolescent students living with a disability or chronic illness are more likely to be victims of bullying from their peers at school, a new French and Irish study finds.

Mass. Smoking Ban Might Be Linked to Fewer Fatal Heart Attacks

10/07/2010, American Journal of Public Health, A new study finds that the number of deadly heart attacks in Massachusetts fell by more than 7 percent after the state outlawed smoking in workplaces, a possible sign that the ban contributed to better health as fewer people found themselves around smoke.

Review: Ibuprofen Offers Relief for Many With Migraine Headaches

10/05/2010, Cochrane Library, For many people suffering from migraine headaches, over-the-counter ibuprofen - Advil and Motrin are well-known brands - might be enough to relieve the pain.

Telehealth Care Can Keep People With Severe Asthma Out of the Hospital

10/05/2010, Health Services Research, Health care delivered via telephone or Internet might not improve the quality of life for people with mild asthma, but it could keep those with severe asthma out of the hospital, a new evidence review finds.

Emotional and Physical Wellness Might Be Linked to Longer Life

10/05/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study supports a belief that many people assume is true2You are more likely to live longer if you have remained physically and mentally fit.

Public Awareness Campaign Lowers Male Suicides in German City

09/30/2010, General Hospital Psychiatry, A recent study revealed that men might connect strongly to publicity campaigns about depression and suicide, particularly when they have options for anonymous help. In Regensburg, Germany, a two-year intervention campaign resulted in a marked drop in male suicides.

US Teen Births Drop, Still Highest in Developed World

09/29/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Teen birth rates in the United States are still 33 percent higher than in New Zealand, the developed country with the next highest incidence - even though U.S. rates have fallen from a high of 62 per 1,000 teens in the early 1990s to a record low of 41 in 2005, a new study finds.

In Cyber Bullying, Depression Hits Victims Hardest

09/21/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Young victims of electronic or cyber bullying - which occurs online or by cell phone - are more likely to suffer from depression than their tormentors are, a new study finds.

South Asians in US at Higher Diabetes Risk Than Other Asian Immigrants

09/21/2010, Ethnicity & Disease, South Asians living in the United States are at much higher risk for type 2 diabetes than are whites and immigrants from other Asian countries, a new small study reveals.

Healthy, Educated Employees More Likely to Pick High-Deductible Plan

09/162010, Health Services Research, Healthier people are more likely to select a high-deductible health plan over a conventional plan, according to data from several employers that first offered the option in 2006. Participants choosing one of the new plans were eligible for contributions to a tax-free health savings account (HSA).

Early Alcohol, Tobacco Use Might Delay Puberty in Girls

09/14/2010,Journal of Adolescent Health, The list of possible health effects from an early introduction to alcohol and tobacco use has just gotten longer. A new study suggests that early drinking and smoking might delay onset of puberty in girls - but the operative word is "might."

Alternative Birthing Rooms Safe for Mom, Baby

09/07/2010,Cochrane Library, Giving birth in an alternative setting within a hospital ? like a bed-free birthing room or one designed to be "homelike"? is just as safe for healthy women as laboring in a traditional hospital bed and women who use these rooms are nearly twice as likely to be satisfied with their birth experiences, according to an updated Cochrane review.

Helping Kids Cope With Chemo

09/07/2010, Cochrane Library, Although nausea and vomiting are common in children undergoing chemotherapy, few quality studies identify absolutely the best way to prevent and treat this problem in kids, said Robert Phillips, M.D., lead author of a new Cochrane review.

More Seniors Get Flu Shot After Personalized Reminders, Provider Urging

09/07/2010,Cochrane Library, Personalized post cards or phone calls can be effective in encouraging more seniors to get their annual flu shots, according to a new review of evidence. Professional facilitators are also successful at urging providers to perform a suite of preventive services, including flu shots for seniors.

Non-hormone Treatments Can Relieve Hot Flashes in Women With Breast Cancer

09/07/2010,Cochrane Library, Many women enduring hot flashes experience the heat, sweat and reddened upper body as an uncomfortable inconvenience. However, hot flashes can greatly diminish a woman's quality of life, disrupting sleep at night or causing embarrassment as she goes about her daily business.

Desk Jobs Could Derail Health, Review Suggests

09/07/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, If your job keeps you tied to your desk, you could count diabetes and an increased risk of death among your employment "benefits," suggests a new review of existing research.

For Obese Teens, Weight Problems Persist Into Young Adulthood

09/07/2010,Journal of Adolescent Health, The older teens get, the more likely they are to pack on pounds, and obesity rates climb sharply between adolescence and young adulthood, finds a new study from Australia.

Canada, US Immigrants Have Less Health Care Access Than Natives

09/02/2010,Health Services Research, In spite of Canada's universal medical coverage, immigrants to that country have less access to health care than native-born Canadians for certain procedures, a new study finds.

Hooked on Headphones? Personal Listening Devices Can Harm Hearing

08/31/2010,Journal of Adolescent Health, Personal listening devices like iPods have become increasingly popular among young - and not-so-young - people in recent years. But music played through headphones too loud or too long might pose a significant risk to hearing, according to a 24-year study of adolescent girls.

Fluoride in Water Prevents Adult Tooth Loss

08/24/2010, American Journal of Public Health, Children drinking water with added fluoride helps dental health in adulthood decades later, a new study finds.

More Walking, Cycling Linked to Healthier Weights Worldwide

08/24/2010, American Journal of Public Health, Amble, stroll or pedal: it's all good. A new study provides evidence supporting a seemingly obvious -- but unproven -- link between walking- and cycling-friendly communities and lower levels of obesity.

Unequal Health Care Increases Colorectal Cancer Mortality in Blacks

08/19/2010, American Journal of Public Health, Black patients die from colorectal cancer at much higher rates than whites do and new research points to unequal health care as the cause.

Low-Cost Program Encourages Latina Moms to Seek Postpartum Care

08/19/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Latinas participating in an educational intervention program were two-and-a-half times more likely to seek postpartum care than were those who did not have access to a similar program, a new study finds.

Team Approach to Foot Care Lowers Risk of Amputation in Diabetes

08/19/2010, Health Services Research, People with diabetic foot problems can lower their risk of leg amputation by relying on coordinated care that includes a podiatrist, according to a recent study. For instance, those with diabetes-related foot ulcers can reduce their risk of amputation by 31 percent.

Prescription Restrictions Cut Costs, But How Does Health Fare?

08/17/2010, Cochrane Library, Policies that restrict reimbursement for certain medications can save money for health insurers without driving patients to seek other kinds of health care, a new review of studies suggests.

Allergy Shots Are Helpful for Some Asthmatics, Risky for Others

08/07/2010, Cochrane Library, Allergy shots can reduce symptoms of asthma, use of inhaled medications and allergy-related asthma attacks, confirms an updated review of studies. Yet, the treatment can also cause systemic side effects that range from a stuffy nose to fatal anaphylactic shock.

For Parents of Uninsured Kids, a Little Help Goes a Long Way

08/07/2010, Cochrane Library, A new review of existing research suggests that health system workers can boost the number of children with medical insurance by providing application materials to parents and helping them fill out the forms.

Hmong-American Women Far Less Likely to Get Pap Test

08/05/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, The Asian-American community of Hmong women in California carries a stunning burden of cervical cancer and resulting mortality four times as high as non-Hispanic white women in California do.

Americans Cut Risk of Heart Disease Death in Half, Prevention Is Key

08/03/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, By smoking less, watching their cholesterol and lowering their high blood pressure, Americans halved their risk of dying from coronary heart disease over the past 20 years, a new study shows.

Dorms With Dining Halls Might Add to Freshman Weight Gain

08/03/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, If college students gain weight during their first year in school, it might have a lot to do with how close they live to their campus dining halls and exercise facilities, a new study reports.

Early Puberty Tied to Obesity in Girls

07/27/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, A review of more than 100 studies found overweight girls tend to reach puberty earlier than their peers do.

Schizophrenia Patients Suffer More Hospital Injuries

07/23/2010, General Hospital Psychiatry, People with schizophrenia are more likely than others to sustain medical injuries during non-psychiatric hospital stays, a large national study finds.

Patient-centered Care Can Lower Risk of Death in Heart Attack

07/22/2010, Health Services Research, In 2001, the Institutes of Medicine named patient-centered health care - based on patient preferences and needs - as a major and necessary change in America's health care system to improve the quality of medical care.

Colleges Not Meeting Guidelines to Limit Alcohol Access

07/20/2010, Alcoholism2Clinical and Experimental Research, While many have implicated heavy student drinking in recent disturbances -- even tragedies -- on college campuses, few schools and communities have united successfully in curbing alcohol access, a new study suggests.

Hormonal Contraceptives Have Mixed Success Among Overweight Women

07/08/2010, Cochrane Library, As obesity continues to be a worldwide health risk, one of its "side effects" could include less effective birth control for overweight and obese women who use hormonal contraceptives.

Parkinson's Patients More Likely to Stick With Certain 'Add-on' Drugs

07/08/2010, Cochrane Library, Of the three main types of oral drugs commonly added to levodopa therapy for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, one might be the most effective, according to a new review.

OTC Constipation Treatment Beats Prescription Med in Review

07/06/2010, Cochrane Library, When ordinary over-the-counter laxatives fail to work, doctors turn to other medications to treat people with constipation. Now, a new review of existing research finds that one common drug treatment is better than another is at helping patients who are desperate to get things moving.

Surgery Is Good 'Teachable Moment' to Help Smokers Quit

07/06/2010, Cochrane Library, It is well known that smokers are at an increased risk for post-surgical complications such as infections and poorly healing wounds. Likewise, smoking can contribute to lowered survival and delayed healing.

Tai Chi and Qigong Show Significant Health Benefits

06/30/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, An across-the-board review of the health effects of Qigong and Tai Chi finds these practices offer many physical and mental health advantages with benefits for the heart, immune system and overall quality of life.

Older Americans Watch More TV, But Enjoy It Less

06/29/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, If you suspect your parent or upstairs neighbor would get more out of life if they'd turn off their TVs, you might be on to something, according to new research.

Sedentary Behavior Puts White Women at Greatest Risk for Obesity

06/29/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Obesity is climbing steadily among American women and an inactive lifestyle is one risk factor. A new study finds that sedentary white women are more apt to become obese than are sedentary African-American women.

Severe Obesity Becoming More Common in Sixth-Graders

06/29/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Nearly 7 percent of sixth graders across the U.S. are severely obese, reveals a new study appearing online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Large Gap in Diabetes, Obesity Screening Among U.S. Health Clinics

06/22/2010, American Journal of Public Health, A new nationwide study finds that some local health clinics do not offer diabetes screening or obesity prevention programs to their clients, who tend to be poor.

Advance Directives Evolve to Ensure Better End-of-Life Planning

06/17/2010, Milbank Quarterly, When first developed in the 1970s, advance directives focused on providing specific legal instructions, such as a patient's wishes to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment in cases of terminal illness or incapacity. The documents helped physicians avoid legal problems associated with fulfilling the patient's wishes.

Exercise Preserves Freedom of Movement After Breast Cancer Surgery

06/15/2010, Cochrane Library, An active 72-year-old woman, Claire Mitchell had always enjoyed cooking. However, after breast cancer surgery she found that she had less freedom of movement and reaching jars on high shelves became quite painful. Her plight is common.

Low Back Pain Is No Reason to Stay in Bed

06/15/2010, Cochrane Library, For much of the 20th century, "rest"- which generally meant a few days to a week in bed - was the standard prescription for acute low-back pain. In recent decades, however, doctors started counseling patients to stay as active as they could.

Synthetic Sutures Might Be Less Painful for Stitches Following Birth

06/15/2010, Cochrane Library, Synthetic sutures appear to cause less pain than natural "catgut" sutures in women who receive stitches after a vaginal birth, according to a new review of studies.

Another Exercise Benefit: You Won't Fall as Much

06/08/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Remaining physically fit and sticking to a regular exercise routine could lower your risk of taking a tumble, finds a new research study.

Quitting Smoking Before Pregnancy Could Save Babies' Lives

06/08/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, If more women quit smoking before they became pregnant, it would save infant lives, concludes a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Latinas Delay Seeking Care, Even if Insured and Ill

06/03/2010, Ethinicity & Disease, Delays in seeking health care appear to be common for Latino women in upstate New York, a new study finds.

Relationships Can Lower Substance Use in Young People

06/01/2010, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, A new study of young people in the two years after high school finds that those in romantic relationships are less likely than their peers to report heavy drinking and marijuana use.

Consider Teen Activity Options When Choosing Where to Live

05/27/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Choosing a neighborhood that has places to walk to and safe routes to get there can help your child maintain a healthy weight during adolescence.

Prevention Program Linked to Fewer Air Force Suicides

05/25/2010, American Journal of Public Health, A new study links the U.S. Air Force's extensive suicide prevention program to a major drop in the military branch's suicide rate since the mid-1990s.

Blacks, Hispanics Less Likely Eligible for Medicare Prescription Help

05/20/2010, Health Services Research, Medicare's Part D prescription medication management program, also known as Medication Therapy Management, could be off limits to some of the patients who need it most - older African-Americans and Hispanics - a new study finds.

Out-of-Pocket Costs Put Arthritis Drugs Out of Reach for Some

05/20/2010, Health Services Research, People with rheumatoid arthritis whose health insurance requires them to pay a higher share of the cost are less likely to use biotech drugs than those with coverage that is more generous. High family medical bills also appear to reduce the use of these powerful but expensive medications, according to a new study in Health Services Research.

Mental Stress Doesn't Distract Young Drivers at the Wheel

05/18/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Teen drivers are four times more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes than older drivers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but anxiety and depression do not play a role in teen motor vehicle accidents, a new study finds.

Smoking Hits New Low for White California Kids

05/18/2010, Cochrane Library, California kids are less likely than ever to start smoking, thanks to the most ambitious, longest-running anti-tobacco program in the world.

Aggressive Approach to Childhood Cancer Worth Risks, Review Finds

05/11/2010, Cochrane Library, Neuroblastoma is among the most common of childhood cancers and fortunately, some children will get better spontaneously. Yet for children with high-risk disease the outlook is poor: more than half will relapse despite chemotherapy.

Dental Treatment Might Lower Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes

05/11/2010, Cochrane Library, Routine dental treatment can reduce blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes who have preexisting gum disease.

Drug-Releasing Stents No Better at Warding Off Death After Angioplasty

05/11/2010, Cochrane Library, Drug-releasing stents are more effective than bare metal stents at keeping a blocked artery open after angioplasty, but the difference does not result in fewer deaths or subsequent heart attacks after the procedure, according to a review of recent studies.

Iron Supplements Effectively Treat Kids' Breath-Holding Spells

05/11/2010, Cochrane Library, For many children, "I'm going to hold my breath until I pass out" is not an idle threat.

Kiosk Offers Smokers a Bilingual Decision Aid for Quitting

05/10/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A computerized bilingual decision aid - placed in safety-net clinics and health fairs - can prompt Hispanic and other smokers to set a quit date and choose effective treatments.

Prescription Costs More Likely to Deter Hispanics in Study

05/10/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Drug costs could prevent some people from filling their prescriptions, which can interfere with optimal health care. A new study of Medicare beneficiaries finds that cost concerns are more likely keep Hispanics away from the pharmacy counter than non-Hispanics.

Deaths Would Drop With More Preventive Services

05/01/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, "Prevention is the best medicine," the saying goes. According to a new study, increasing the use of that medicine could prevent a significant number of adult deaths annually.

Seeking Health Info? Print Media Readers Make Healthier Choices

05/04/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Even with the widespread use of the Internet to get our daily dose of information, people who rely on the print media for their health information - along with those who turn to community organizations - tend to do better than Web-seekers at following a healthy lifestyle, new research finds.

Employment and Insurance: No Guarantee for Better Health

04/30/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, Having health insurance does not mean workers will take advantage of immunizations, cancer screenings and other preventive health services, a new study finds.

WIC Program Has Moderate Effect on Birth Outcomes

04/28/2010, Health Services Research, A new study that looked at the effect of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) to determine the effect on various birth outcomes found that the overall effects were only moderate.

Parents Can Help Overweight Kids With Body Image

04/20/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, When parents maintain a healthy body image and weight-control strategies, overweight adolescent children tend to follow their example, a new study reveals.

Chiropractic Treatment Offers Some Relief for Early Low Back Pain

04/13/2010, Cochrane Library, Low-back pain sufferers can seek relief from any number of health professionals, orthopedists, physical therapists and osteopaths among them.

Exercise-based Rehab for Heart Failure Can Improve Quality of Life

04/13/2010, Cochrane Library, Your heart is an incredible muscle, pumping an estimated 2,000 gallons of blood through about 60,000 million miles of blood vessels - and beating maybe 100,000 times a day, year after year after year. Time and disease can weaken a heart, however, so it can't pump enough blood to keep up with your body's needs: this is called heart failure.

Self-Monitoring Lowers Risks for Patients on Anti-Clotting Drug

04/13/2010, Cochrane Library, A new review of existing research finds that many patients who take an anti-clotting drug or "blood-thinner" can benefit from monitoring the levels of the drug themselves instead of going to clinics for blood tests.

Tainted Produce More Likely for Low-Income Shoppers

04/06/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, No one wants a mixed salad tossed with extra bacteria, mold and yeast, but those are just what you might find when you try to eat a healthier diet in poorer neighborhoods. A new study shows that the level of bacteria found on the fresh produce can vary according to the income level of the neighborhoods where it is for sale.

Tainted Produce More Likely for Low-Income Shoppers

Teens With Diabetes Might Need Help in Transition to Adulthood

04/06/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, It is hard enough being a teenager -- or the parent of a teenager -- without also having to deal with type 1 diabetes. Keeping good control can be a problem when the responsibility for administering insulin and checking blood glucose levels passes from parent to child.

Stigma Keeps Some Latinos From Depression Treatment

03/26/2010, General Hospital Psychiatry, A new, small study of low-income, depressed Latinos finds that those who stigmatize mental illness are less likely than others are to take medication, keep scheduled appointments and control their condition.

Trends: From Anxiety to Depression and Back Again

03/25/2010, The Milbank Quarterly, Poet W.H Auden dubbed the post-World War II nuclear era the "age of anxiety" and indeed, at the time, anxiety disorders were the most commonly diagnosed mental illnesses. Yet, by the 1990's, American psychiatry was "Listening to Prozac" and instead of obsessing about angst, it focused its attention on depression.

Study: HPV May Not Act Like Other STDs

03/23/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health (online), A small new study suggests that some common beliefs about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases may not apply to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV.

Acetaminophen Alone Works Well for Postpartum Pain

03/16/2010, Cochrane Library, For many mothers of newborns, lingering pain from the delivery can interfere with their first days with their infant. A recent review examined whether over-the-counter medications containing acetaminophen - Tylenol for example - provided adequate relief for such pain and concluded that they are effective.

Common Cold Symptoms Not Washed Away by Nose Irrigation

03/16/2010, Cochrane Library, Washing out your nose with a spray or spout of salt water is safe and might even get you back to work sooner after a cold or acute sinus infection. However, there is not enough evidence to show that it can reduce your symptoms significantly, according to a new research review.

Health Care Delivery Fixes Somewhat Helpful in Heart Disease

03/16/2010, Cochrane Library , If you have chronic heart disease, could your doctor's office safeguard your health by improving how it delivers care?

Smokers Who Quit Gradually or Cold Turkey Have Similar Success

03/16/2010, Cochrane Library , Although many smokers try to quit by selecting a "quit day" and going cold turkey, a new Cochrane review finds that quitting gradually might work just as well.

Teen Girls Look to Peers to Gauge Weight Goals

03/15/2010, Journal of Health and Social Behavior , Their schoolmates' weight determines whether teenage high school girls will try to lose pounds, new research finds, and the school environment plays a big role in the decision.

Most Teens Don't Stop to Think About Tattoo-Removal Risks

03/03/2010, American Journal of Adolescent Health, Many adolescents think about getting tattoos, but less than half know what's involved in having them removed, according to an Italian study appearing online in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Cigarette Ads Fuel Teens' Desire to Start Smoking

03/02/2010, American Journal of APreventive Medicine, The more that teens see cigarette ads, the greater their risk of taking a puff. A new study shows that the particular content of tobacco marketing resonates with youth and that the vivid imagery in tobacco advertising captures their interest, although teens typically are more resistant to the promotional seduction of other products.

Sleep-deprived College Students: Asleep at the Wheel

03/02/2010, American Journal of Adolescent Health, College students are getting 45 minutes less sleep per night than 40 years ago, and two hours less than the nine recommended by the National Sleep Foundation - putting them at risk of motor vehicle accidents, a small new study suggests.

Drinking 100-Percent Juice Might Not Lead to Teen Overweight

02/26/2010, American Journal of Health Promotion, Although some studies have linked drinking 100 percent juice to excess weight in young children, this might not be the case for teenagers, a new study suggests.

School STD Programs Have Limited Influence on Teens' Sexual Behaviors

02/23/2010, Health Technology Assessment, Teaching teens about sexually transmitted infections at school boosts factual knowledge, but does not necessarily translate to increased condom use, according to a new evidence review from the United Kingdom.

Fed When Hungry, Premature Babies Go Home Sooner

02/16/2010, Cochrane Library, Although many parents and health care providers attempt to schedule a preterm newborn's feeding pattern, a new review of studies reveals that feeding in response to the infant's own hunger cues might result in earlier discharge from the hospital.

Is Your Back Pain Caused by Herniated Disc? Single Test Can't Tell

02/16/2010, Cochrane Library, While lower back pain ranks as a common cause of disability in the United States, determining what causes a person's back pain is often challenging. A new Cochrane review on diagnosing back pain finds that no single diagnostic test is good at discriminating between patients who have a herniated disc and patients who do not, according to lead author Danielle van der Windt.

More Flexibility at Work Boosts Employee Health

02/16/2010, Cochrane Library, A new evidence review suggests that giving employees more flexibility over their work schedules is likely to boost their health as judged by measures like blood pressure and stress. But interventions that are motivated or dictated by the needs of the employer, such as cutting hours, either have no effect on employee health or make it worse.

Zinc Supplements to Prevent Middle Ear Infections: Evidence Is Weak

02/16/2010, Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane review did not find clear evidence that taking zinc supplements reduces the occurrence of middle ear infections or otitis media in healthy children.

Breast Cancer Rates Decline Most for Affluent White Women

02/10/2010, American Journal of Public Health, Breast cancer rates are declining, but some groups have seen a more significant decline than others, with race, ethnicity and economic background playing a part.

Spanish-Language Ads Get Message Across for Smoking Quit Lines

02/10/2010, American Journal of Public Health, It pays to advertise. It especially pays to advertise in Spanish if you want Spanish speakers to use a telephone helpline to quit smoking.

Latino and White Children Might Receive Different Pain Treatment

02/04/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Differences might exist in the amount of pain medicine given to Latino and white children after surgery, found a new, small study in which Latino children received 30 percent less opioid analgesics (morphine or morphine-like drugs) than white children did.

Blacks Less Likely to Survive Cancer Than Whites in Large N.J. Study

02/02/2010, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A New Jersey study found that African-Americans with cancer are less likely to survive it than whites, and residents of poor neighborhoods less likely to survive than are those in wealthier areas of the state.

Most African-American Adults Skip Sun Protection, Study Suggests

02/02/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Only about 31 percent of African-American adults engage in at least one form of sun protection behavior such as wearing a hat, while 63 percent never use sunscreen, according to a new study.

Sexual Orientation Affects Risk of Bullying in Teens

01/28/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study finds that gay teens and young adults face a much higher risk of experiencing bullying than their counterparts do, with the rate more than tripled for lesbians.

Report: Too Few Minority Doctors After Decades of Discrimination

01/27/2010, Academic Medicine, Although the number of minorities in the medical profession has risen in recent years, decades of discrimination still leaves them drastically underrepresented in the field, as chronicled in new report appearing in the February issue of the journal Academic Medicine.

Alcohol Increases Women's Risk of Intimate Partner Violence

01/27/2010, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Alcohol increases the risk of violence in couples - especially violence both to and by the female partner. A new study of couples found that experienced intimate partner violence found 30.2 percent reported alcohol use before or during the event.

Best Fluoride Levels Determined for Children's Toothpastes -

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, Everyone who has ever seen a toothpaste commercial knows that fluoride is the ingredient that helps fight tooth decay, but a new review has determined exactly how much fluoride is best in toothpastes for children.

Motivating, Not Judging, Might Help Smokers Quit,

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, Addressing tobacco use without judging the user appears to help people quit, especially if a primary care physician uses a form of supportive counseling called "motivational interviewing," according to a new review of studies.

Routine Antibiotic Use Reduces Mothers' Infection Risk From C-Section,

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, Having a baby by Caesarean section is becoming increasingly common, despite the higher risks associated with the surgery compared to a vaginal birth. One important concern is the risk of infection, which is between five and 20 times greater for women who undergo scheduled or emergency Caesarean section.

Scoliosis in Teenagers2To Brace or Not to Brace Is Still a Question,

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, The use of braces to correct excessive curvature of the spine, or scoliosis, in adolescents is still an area of controversy - and is likely to remain that way until there is better evidence, concludes a new review of published research. Although some evidence points toward a benefit from using braces, research has failed to prove definitively that they work.

Treating Swimmer's Ear Just Got Simpler,

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, When treating the pain and inflammation of swimmer's ear, antibiotic drops are the most effective - and safest - therapy, finds a new review of studies.

Used as Prescribed, Opioids Relieve Chronic Pain With Little Addiction Risk,

01/19/2010, Cochrane Library, Coping with chronic non-cancer pain is a way of life for millions of Americans. Unfortunately, many older adults, in particular, hesitate to take opioids - a kind of narcotic - for fear of addiction. However, a new review finds that taking opioids long term is associated with clinically significant pain relief in some patients with a very small risk of addition.

Would Medical Images Spur You to Change Risky Health Behaviors? -

01/19/2009, Cochrane Library, Can showing patients ultrasounds and X-rays of their bodies to point out existing health damage make patients change their risky behavior?

Insulin Pumps Might Have Slight Advantage Over Shots in Type 1 Diabetes

01/17/2010, Cochrane Library, A new evidence review suggests that using a pump to deliver insulin continuously - instead of taking three or more daily injections - might result in better control of blood sugar for people with type 1 diabetes.

Medicare "Doughnut Hole" Causes Seniors to Skip Diabetes Meds

01/07/2010, Health Services Research, Medicare recipients with diabetes who have a gap in their Part D prescription drug benefits-known as the "doughnut hole" - have higher out-of-pocket drug costs and are less likely to stick to their medications than those who have supplemental drug benefits, a new study confirms. Surprisingly, generic-only drug plans to cover the gap only modestly improve the situation.

Childhood Vaccination Gaps Narrowing in U.S.

01/05/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, About three-quarters of U.S. children received recommended vaccinations in 2008, up from about half in 2000, reports a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Most High School Students Are Sleep Deprived

01/05/2010, Journal of Adolescent Health, Only about 8 percent of high school students get enough sleep on an average school night, a large new study finds. The others are living with borderline-to-serious sleep deficits that could lead to daytime drowsiness, depression, headaches and poor performance at school.

Women With Partner, Baby Gain More Weight Than Single Women

01/05/2010, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Young women with a weight problem often say the weight started creeping up when they had their first child and they found they had less time to exercise. However, when researchers added up all factors, they found that the fact that a woman is married and has a baby has more influence on weight gain than being physically active.

For Depressed Workers, Stress on Job Lowers Productivity

12/31/2010, Journal of Health Promotion, A new study shines a light on depression in the workplace, suggesting that psychological stress at the office - or wherever people earn their paychecks - can make it more difficult for depressed workers to perform their jobs and be productive.

Costly Cancer Treatments: No Easy Access in U.S. or U.K.

12/16/2010, Milbank Quarterly, Cancer patients in both the United States and the United Kingdom face challenges in gaining access to expensive treatments, according to research published in the December issue of The Milbank Quarterly.

Internet Workshops Help People Become Better Health Seekers

12/15/2009, Health Promotion Practice, Although growing numbers of people check their symptoms with "Dr. Google" or seek other medical advice online, many still lack the access and skills to take advantage of the Web's wealth of health information.

Teaching Kids About Stroke Can Spare Their Parents Disability

12/15/2009, Health Promotion Practice, Teaching children how to recognize when family members are experiencing a stroke and to call 911 might be a good way to save stroke victims from becoming disabled permanently, according to a new study.

Seasonal Flu Shot Awareness High in Hispanics, Vaccination Rates Lower

12/4/2009, Ethnicity&Disease, Although there is high awareness of the need for seasonal influenza vaccines, a new study of Hispanics in one California county shows low rates of actual vaccination, especially among men.

Food Attitudes Affect Obesity Risk in Middle-Aged Women

12/1/2009, Health Education&Behavior, A small study of middle-aged women finds that "guilt-ridden dieters," impulsive eaters and those too busy to focus on food are the most likely to show signs of obesity.

Kids Eat Less Junk Food When Middle Schools Stop Providing It

12/1/2009, Health Education&Behavior, It seems like a no-brainer, and it is2Take the junk food out of school vending machines and cafeterias, and kids will eat less junk food, according to a new study that took place in Connecticut.

Preventive Care Gaps Send Blacks to Hospital Earlier Than Whites

12/1/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Receiving prompt treatment for common health problems like diabetes, pneumonia and high blood pressure can save patients trips to the hospital and thousands of dollars in medical care costs.

Tall in Third Grade, Overweight in 12th?

12/1/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Being tall and overweight, or just being tall, might be a marker in children for an increased risk of being overweight or obese in later years.

Depression Patients More Apt to Receive Opioids for Chronic Pain

11/16/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, Chronic pain patients with a history of depression are three times more likely to receive long-term prescriptions for opioid medications like Vicodin compared to pain patients who do not suffer from depression, according to new research.

Heart Disease a 'Silent Killer' in Patients With Severe Mental Illness

11/16/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, A large new study confirms that people with severe mental disorders - such as schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders - are 25 percent to 40 percent more prone to die from heart disease than people without mental illness are.

Breast Cancer Physicians Have Limited Access to Trained Interpreters

11/11/2009, Health Services Research, In a new survey of physicians who treat breast cancer patients, only one-third said they had good access to trained medical interpreters or telephone language-interpretation systems when they needed it. Poor access to interpreters can compromise physician-patient communication that is critically important in cancer care.

Women More Likely Than Men to Suffer Depression After Stroke

11/10/2009, Psychosomatics, Depression occurs in as many as one-third of patients after a stroke, and women are at somewhat higher risk, according to a large new review of studies. Post-stroke depression is associated with greater disability, reduced quality of life and an increased risk of death.

Cigarette Packaging Influences Teens to Buy and Try

11/9/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Plainer cigarette packages, perceived as boring or unattractive, would make smoking much less appealing to teens, according to a new Australian study.

Cultural Beliefs About Pesticides Put Mexican Farmworkers at Risk

11/5/2009, American Journal of Public Health, Chemical pesticides are among the tools farmers often use in managing insects dedicated to dining on our nation's harvest. Pesticides, unfortunately, are not without risk to those who labor in the fields and orchards, planting, tending and harvesting crops.

Warmer Homes Mean Better Health for Poor People

11/4/2009, American Journal of Public Health, Being warm enough at home might lead to better health, according to a new review appearing online in the American Journal of Public Health.

Internet Proves Important to Teens With Chronic Conditions

11/2/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, The Internet has become a popular socializing tool for adolescents and a new study shows those with chronic health conditions might rely on it more heavily than their peers do.

Food Rating System Scores High With Consumers

10/30/2009, American Journal of Health Promotion, Grocery shoppers in a new study report that a one to 100-point food rating system would help them choose what goes into their carts.

Weight Loss "Maintainers" Have Fewer TVs at Home

10/22/2009, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, What's the secret of success of people who lose lots of weight and keep it off for many years? A new study suggests predictable factors like exercise and control over eating play a role, but so do factors in the home like fewer TVs and more exercise equipment.

Illness Devastates Uninsured Older Adults' Finances, Study Finds

10/15/2009, Health Services Research, For the more than four million uninsured adults in the United States nearing retirement age, a serious illness often spells financial disaster, according to a recent study.

Never Too Old to Keep Blood Pressure in Check

10/15/2009, Cochrane Library, Treating hypertension in adults 60 years old and older can help them live longer, healthier lives, according to an updated review.

Review Says Drug Safe, Effective for Post-Surgical Pain in Children

10/15/2009, Cochrane Library, Parents and physicians alike want to know the best options for pain relief for children, especially following painful surgical procedures. A new review from Sweden finds that diclofenac - a medication that works for some adults - also relieves acute pain in children.

Could the Hot Stuff in Chili Peppers Ease Your Tingling Nerve Pain?

10/13/2009, Cochrane Library, Millions of people suffer peripheral pain and other troubling sensations accompanying diseases as varied as diabetes, AIDS, shingles and arthritis. Cancer patients also often suffer these so-called peripheral neuropathies because of their therapies.

Some Benefit in Team Rehab for Hip Surgery Patients

10/13/2009, Cochrane Library, Older women who receive rehabilitation services after hip surgery from a variety of health care professionals as inpatients are slightly more likely to do better than those who receive usual hospital care are, a new review shows. The authors suggest that such multidisciplinary rehabilitation also might help if applied in patient or caregiver homes.

Child Abuse Raises Risk of Illness in Adulthood

10/08/2009, Psychosomatic Medicine2Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, Child abuse has had a known association with increased risk for virtually all types of psychological and psychiatric problems - but a new evidence review suggests that it raises the risk of physical illness just as much.

Calling All Smokers: Cell Phones Could Help You Quit

10/6/2009, Cochrance Library, Hooked on your cell phone and cigarettes? Fortunately, your mobile device could help you kick the nicotine habit, according to a new review from New Zealand.

Exercise Training After Stroke Helps Patients Walk Faster, Longer

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, An updated Cochrane review finds that stroke patients who participate in a post-stroke walking program walk faster, longer and more independently than non-exercisers.

HRT Might Up Incontinence Risk in Postmenopausal Women

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Grappling with the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is nothing new for postmenopausal women. More fuel to the fire: evidence that HRT could play a role in incontinence.

Bulimia, Binge Eating Respond to Talk Therapy

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Although most people with bulimia and binge eating disorders wait many years before seeking help, a new review shows that psychological treatment can make a large difference.

Adding Diuretic to Drug Regimen Lowers Blood Pressure

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review shows that diuretics -- inexpensive drugs often recommended as a first-line treatment for high blood pressure -- are also effective when added as a second agent to other blood-pressure lowering drugs.

Cooling Patients After CPR Can Reduce Brain Damage, Boost Recovery

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Cooling a person's body within six hours of cardiac arrest with successful CPR might improve survival and lessen brain damage, according to a new Cochrane review.

Opioids for Osteoarthritis: Problems Far Outweigh Benefits

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Should you take opioid drugs for hip and knee pain caused by osteoarthritis? Probably not, suggests a new review of the best research on the subject.

Smaller Surgical Margins Safe for Many Skin Cancer Patients

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Many skin cancer patients fare just as well when surgeons remove about one inch of normal-looking tissue around the lesion instead of a larger safety margin, according to a new systematic review.

Brushing Dentures Might Be Best Cleaning Method

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, Brushing removable dentures with a paste product might be the best way to keep them clean, better than soaking in effervescent or enzyme cleaning solutions, suggests a new review of what little dental literature exists on the topic.

Two Malaria Drugs for Travelers Have Fewer Side Effects

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, A new research review finds that a combination drug and the common antibiotic doxycycline allow travelers to fend off malaria with the fewest side effects in areas where the parasite is resistant to a widely accepted preventive treatment.

Ultrasound Probes Have High Success in Breaking Up Kidney Stones

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, When kidney stones become stuck in the urinary tract, the pain can be excruciating and debilitating. A relatively new ultrasound probe procedure has the highest success rate for breaking down kidney stones in the lower "funnel" area of the kidney.

Combining Health, Contraceptive Education Reduces Teen Pregnancies

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, When teenagers receive health education and information about contraception, the number of them having unintended pregnancies decreases, finds a new review.

"Textbook" Treatment of Nursemaid's Elbow Might Not Be the Best

10/06/2009, Cochrane Library, It can happen in an instant: a father grabs his daughter's arm before she runs out into traffic, and the sudden pull produces sharp pain and loss of movement in her arm. Pulled elbow or "nursemaid's elbow" is a common injury among children.

Later Drinking Ages Mean Less Alcohol Use

09/18/2009, Alcoholism2Clinical and Experimental Research, A new study finds that adults who legally were able to purchase alcohol before the age of 21 in their states are more likely than others are to be alcoholics or drug addicts.

More STDs for Older Widowers in ED Drug Era

09/17/2009, American Journal of Public Health, Widowers take care2Older men who have recently lost their wives are more likely than still-married peers to be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), according to a new study.

Limited Health Literacy Presents Hurdles to Decent Care

09/15/2009, Health Education & Behavior, People who struggle with poor reading and math skills experience problems understanding instructions from health care providers and adhering to treatment, according to a new research review.

Overeating, Alcohol Abuse and Depression Intertwined in Young Women

09/10/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, On TV, Sex and the City makes regular Cosmo-drinking sessions seem like a glamorous, harmless pastime. In reality, though, excessive alcohol use can relate to overeating and depression in young women, according to the results of a new study.

Health Plan Problems? Most People Stay Quiet and Stay Put

09/09/09, The Milbank Quarterly, Having problems with your health plan? If you speak up about it - or move on to another plan - you are a very unusual consumer, according to a new study.

Language a Barrier to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Mexican-Americans

09/08/2009, Ethnicity & Disease, More than 40 percent of Mexican-Americans in California have never had either of the most common screening tests for colorectal cancer, compared with 22 percent of non-Latino white Californians, which could be due to language barriers between patients and physicians, suggests a new study from San Diego State University.

Race Shown to Affect Severity of Lupus Disease

09/08/2009, Ethnicity & Disease, In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, their race can affect how severe the disease will become, according to a new study.

Cutting 'Hidden' Salt Could Lower the Nation's Blood Pressure

09/01/2009, American Journal of Health Promotion, Many people think twice before adding a dash of salt to their food, but don't realize that the majority of dietary sodium comes from packaged foods and eating out, according to a new study.

Mistrust of Health Care System Leads Patients to Postpone Treatment

09/01/2009, Health Services Research, Mistrust among patients, providers and insurers could harm patients' health and raise overall health care costs, reports a new study.

U.S. Drivers Take Wheel After Binge Drinking in Bars, Clubs

09/01/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, More than one in 10 people who binge drinks gets behind the wheel of a car during or just after their binge. Of those who binge and drive afterward, more than half had consumed their liquor in a bar, restaurant or club.

Drinkers More Physically Active Than Abstainers

08/31/2009, American Journal of Health Promotion, Drinkers aren't just bending their elbows2according to a new study, the more alcohol people drink, the more likely they might be to exercise.

Many Doctors Shown to Have Subconscious Racial Attitudes

08/20/2009, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A new U.S. study has found that doctors, like the majority of people who responded, prefer whites to blacks subconsciously, which potentially can affect their ability to provide equal health care to their minority patients.

Adolescent Athletes Enjoy Better Sleep

08/17/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Teens who exercise vigorously have a better quality of sleep than their couch-potato peers, according to a new Swiss study.

Teens Have Less Sex After Middle-School Program

08/17/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new program that urges middle-school students to figure out their values regarding sex appears to reduce the likelihood that they will engage in early sexual activity, a study finds.

Like Their Lives, Women's Exercise Passes Through Phases

08/13/2099, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Milestones such as marriage and motherhood - or retirement and widowhood - can affect the amount of exercise women get, according to a large new study from Australia.

College Students Are Sleep-Deprived, Stressed Out

08/10/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Stress about school and life keeps 68 percent of students awake at night - 20 percent of them at least once a week. Stress affects the quality of their sleep far more than alcohol, caffeine or late-night electronics use, a new study shows.

Prescription "Sharing" Among Teens Widespread, Dangerous

08/10/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, What if a teenager with acne who is taking Accutane - a drug linked to birth defects - gives some to her friend, who is pregnant but does not yet realize it? Unfortunately, this is a realistic scenario.

Accidental Childhood Poisonings Mostly Due to Medicines

08/04/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, More than two-thirds of all emergency department visits for childhood poisoning involve prescription and over-the-counter medications, more than twice the rate of poisonings from consumer products, reports a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Depression May Cause Patients to Become Less Active

08/04/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, Feelings of depression could be one reason patients fail to follow their doctors' orders on exercising and eventually become less physically active, a new research review finds.

More Leisure Time Improves Health and Boosts Mood

07/28/2009, Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, Taking time for leisure activities apart from the demands of work and other responsibilities helps people function better physically and mentally. In fact, the more time spent doing different types of enjoyable activities, the better a person's health tends to be, according to a new study.

Prenatal Payments Could Improve Birth Outcomes

07/28/2009, Health Services Research, While most health care professionals tout the importance of regular prenatal care throughout pregnancy, many women still do not get the care they need. Could providing financial incentives to patients or health care providers help improve compliance and - ultimately - outcomes?

Getting Married - and Staying Married - Is Good for Your Health

07/27/2009, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, A stable, long-term marriage can be good for your health, but divorce or widowhood leave a lasting scar on the health of middle-aged and older people, according to a new study. Remarriage seems to reduce but not erase the damage done by losing a marriage, and those who remain single after a marriage ends show consistently worse health than those who remarried.

Teen Pregnancy May Be Symptom, Not Cause, of Emotional Distress

07/27/2009, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, It would make sense that teenage mothers have a lot of psychological stress in their lives, but a new study shows that the distress comes before the pregnancy, not because of it.

Young People at High HIV Risk Say Peers Should Teach Prevention

07/27/2009, Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education and Action, African-American adolescents have some of the highest rates of HIV infection in the United States, and efforts to educate them about preventing the disease must include the help of their adolescent peers, new research suggests.

Blanket Support for Trauma Victims Not Best Way to Prevent PTSD

07/21/2009, Cochrane Library, Say a deadly campus shooting occurs. It might seem sensible to offer everyone on campus psychological support to prevent psychological repercussions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

No Evidence That Combined DTP-HBV-Hib Vaccine Works Better

07/21/2009, Cochrane Library, There is no evidence that giving infants a combination vaccine for diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (P), hepatitis B (HBV), and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) protects them as effectively as separate vaccines, according to the results of a new Cochrane review.

Seniors Benefit From Strength Training

07/21/2009, Cochrane Library, An updated Cochrane review finds that progressive resistance muscle training improves strength in older adults and enhances their ability to do daily tasks such as walking, climbing steps or getting out of a chair.

Home Smoking Rules Tend to Vary by Race

07/15/2009, Health Education & Behavior, Prohibiting tobacco use at home could reduce adolescent smoking rates, but the practice might be less common in black families than in white ones, a new study found.

Calming Parents Might Help Kids Cope With Anesthesia

07/14/2009, Cochrane Library, The start of anesthesia can be distressing for children. Although antianxiety drugs can help keep kids calm, side effects exist. Non-drug methods offer alternatives, but a new review of studies finds that no single method shows a clear advantage in keeping the child calm and cooperative. The most commonly used tactic - having the parent present while the child receives anesthesia medications - does not appear to have any benefit.

Green Tea: Mixed Reviews for Cancer Prevention

07/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Lifestyle choices are pieces of the cancer prevention puzzle, but exactly which steps to take remain unclear, even to scientists. Still, more and more individuals are incorporating small changes into their daily routine - such as drinking green tea - in hopes of keeping cancer risk at bay.

Review: Weak Support for Workplace Hearing Loss Programs

07/14/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review of existing research says there is little evidence to support mandatory hearing-loss prevention programs at the workplace.

Drug Used to Treat Anemia in Cancer Is Harmful, Review Confirms

07/9/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review of data confirms that erythropoietin - a drug to treat anemia in many cancer patients - might be harmful. The review found that patients with head and neck cancers who received erythropoietin in combination with radiation had poorer outcomes than those who received radiation treatment alone.

Review: Weight-loss Drug Raises Blood Pressure

07/9/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review of existing research confirms that a weight-loss drug raises blood pressure, posing a risk to obese patients who hope to reduce hypertension by shedding pounds.

Sport Creams, Heat Rubs Not So Hot for Treating Muscle Pain

07/9/2009, Cochrane Library, Popular over-the-counter creams, heat gels and other rub-on or spray-on remedies for sports injuries and arthritis aches are unproven and a waste of money, said the author of a new systematic review.

College Students Might Drink Less If They Knew Peers' True Habits

07/7/2009, Cochrane Library, Blame it on peer pressure. When college students think that other undergrads drink a lot of alcohol, they drink more themselves. However, a new systematic review suggests that when college students learn they are mistaken about the actual normal drinking habits of their peers, they sometimes imbibe less often.

Garlic Might Fight Vampires Better Than It Fights Colds

07/7/2009, Cochrane Library, With the recall of the cold remedy Zicam nasal spray for possibly causing some people to lose their sense of smell and the prior failures of vitamin C and echinacea to prove effective in trials, viruses seem to be winning the war on colds.

NSAIDs Can Reduce Common Cold Symptoms

07/7/2009, Cochrane Library, The common cold is the most pervasive recurring illness on earth.

Tackling Several Allergens at Once to Prevent Asthma in Kids

07/7/2009, Cochrane Library, Reducing children's exposure to a variety of allergens, rather than targeting a single "trigger," might be a better way to avoid asthma, according to a new review of studies.

Secondhand Smoke Threatens Casino Workers' Health

06/30/2009, American Journal of Public Health, New research suggests that casino workers face a higher risk of heart disease and lung cancer because they work in buildings filled with tobacco smoke.

Nearly 1 in 10 Kids Report Cyber Bullying

06/29/2009, Journal of Adolsecents, New research shines a light on the phenomenon of "cyber bullying," suggesting that nearly 1 in 10 children are bullied through electronic means such as text messages, and girls are more likely to be victims than boys are.

Obesity May Reduce Brain Gray Matter in Postmenopausal Women

06/18/2009, Psychosomatic Medicine: Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine, Results from a small study of postmenopausal women suggest that obesity might relate to a reduced volume of gray matter in the brain. However, whether the results have relevance in a woman's day-to-day life is unclear.

Can Tobacco Industry Research Help 'Social' Smokers Quit?

06/16/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, The tobacco industry knows exactly what makes social smokers tick. Now, researchers want to use that once-secret information to help them quit.

Low-Income Minorities Miss More Glucose Checks

06/9/2009, Ethnicity & Disease, Income appears to play a crucial role in how often diabetes patients on insulin check their daily blood glucose levels, and low-income minorities check less often than others, a new research study finds.

Deinstitutionalization Leads to Rise in Suicide Among Mentally Ill

06/2/2009, Health Services Research, Reducing the number of beds available in public psychiatric hospitals is associated with increased suicide rates - and community-based mental health care is often not funded at a level sufficient to help. A new study finds that for every bed lost for 100,000 people in the population, 45 additional suicides would occur per year.

Overwhelming Medicare Plan Choices Spell Confusion

05/28/2009, Health Services Research, In a sign of the challenges facing seniors on Medicare, a new study finds that older Americans are more likely to make poor choices when faced with a wide array of drug-coverage plans. Making matters worse, many are confident they made the right decisions.

Adolescents Let Physical Activity Slide After Seventh Grade

06/26/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, By the time they reach ninth grade, most adolescents abandon the physical activities they enjoyed in seventh grade; and the more vigorous the activity, the more likely they are to drop it.

Fear of Family Reaction Is Barrier to Treatment for Depressed Teens

05/26/2009, Medical Care, Although teen depression poses a widespread problem for which proven treatments exist, few depressed teens receive any care.

Teaching Families to Manage Asthma Can Reduce E.R. Visits

05/26/2009, Cochrane Library, The key to reducing the leading cause of pediatric emergency room visits could be to educate young patients and their parents about how to manage asthma, according to an updated review of studies. Moreover, such programs could lead to fewer hospitalizations for children.

Abusive Relationships Increase Women's Risk of HIV Infection

05/21/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, A new study of nearly 14,000 U.S. women reveals that those who are in physically abusive relationships are at higher risk for HIV infection.

Teens Who Think They're Overweight More Likely to Try Suicide

05/18/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Being overweight - or simply believing they are overweight - might predispose some U.S. teens to suicide attempts, according to a new study.

Inexpensive TENS Unit Can Ease Labor Pain

05/14/2009, Cochrane Library, There are many ways to deal with the pain of giving birth, but women and their obstetricians can always benefit from having another choice. A Cochrane review has concluded that women in labor should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) - a non-drug method of pain management.

Review: Long-term Use of Lymphoma Drug Extends Lives

05/14/2009, Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane Library review confirms that years-long use of a drug called rituximab extends the lifespan of people with one of the milder forms of lymphoma.

Simple Hygiene, Focus on Children Could Contain Flu Spread

05/12/2009, Cochrane Library, Although many have touted strategies from travel avoidance to Tamiflu to halt the spread of H1N1 flu or swine flu, a large body of evidence from the Cochrane Library suggests that concentrating on children's hygiene might be the best way to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Electronic Health Record Use Can Vary by Race

05/07/2009, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A push for widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) has become a central part of the national health care debate, but a new study shows that the technology is not equally available to American patients.

Language Barrier Means Later Health Care for Chinese Immigrant Children

05/07/2009, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Even when a lack of health insurance is not an issue, many Chinese immigrant parents still face others barriers in getting necessary health care for their sick children, finds a new small study conducted in metropolitan Washington, D.C., where 42 percent of the area's immigrant families are from Asia.

Newer Antidepressants Not Always Better

05/05/209, Cochrane Library, New antidepressants might be no more effective than the best existing drugs, according to two new systematic reviews that compared 12 commonly used medications.

Obesity, Diabetes Interfere With Work Productivity

04/30/2009, American Journal of Health Promotion, Obese workers with type 2 diabetes report less productivity on the job than their normal-weight co-workers, according to a new study of 7,338 working adults.

Lower Doses of Dementia Drug Boost Brain Function, Reduce Side Effects

04/23/2009, Cochrane Library, Sometimes less is more: Lower doses of an Alzheimer's drug delivered via skin patches improve cognition with fewer serious side effects than higher doses, researchers have found in an updated review.

Two-pronged Attack Works Best for Psoriasis Treatment

04/23/2009, Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane review finds that two commonly used topical treatments work best together to treat chronic psoriasis, but are not a cure.

Universal Health Insurance Might Not Save Lives

04/22/2009, Health Services Research, A new analysis suggests that universal health insurance might not save many adult lives - or any - if the United States actually puts it into place.

Couples Cope in Different Ways Following Death of Premature Baby

04/21/2009, Psychosomatics, Most parents who have lost a premature baby still hold the baby in a central place in their lives two to six years after the baby's death, physicians report in a new small study. According to lead author Stefan Buchi, M.D., how they share this grief and suffering depends on the emotional exchange and communication between the partners.

Sidewalks Boost Physical Activity Around the World

04/16/2009, Journal of Preventive Medicine, People who live in city neighborhoods close to stores, transit stops, sidewalks, bicycle and low-cost recreational facilities are twice as likely to get enough exercise as people who have no access to these amenities - and this holds true worldwide.

Combo Inhaler Might Simplify Treatment for Asthma

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, People suffering from chronic asthma might have a new treatment option that allows them to manage their condition with a single prescribed inhaler that contains two medicines, according to a new review.

Electrical Implant Might Help With Bladder Control, Review Finds

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, For people with urinary incontinence who have run out of options, an electrical device might help, according to a new Cochrane Library review.

Exercise Is Safe Bet to Prevent Falls in Older People

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Exercise programs that lend strength, flexibility and balance might be one of the best ways to prevent falls among people age 65 and older, according to a Cochrane review of more than 100 studies.

Heart Procedure? Bring Your iPod Along, Review Suggests

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, The right mix of Portuguese instrumentals calms Philadelphia researcher Joke Bradt. That's what she'd want to hear during a serious medical procedure - that or classical music.

Homeopathic Medicine Can Coexist With Conventional Cancer Treatment

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane review did not find serious side effects relating to the use of homeopathic medicine in patients having orthodox cancer care.

Review Supports Circumcision in HIV Prevention

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, An analysis of three recent studies finds that heterosexual African men reduced their risk of HIV infection by half after undergoing circumcision.

Review2Do Feeding Tubes Help or Harm in Advanced Dementia?

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Family members grappling with the decision to allow a feeding tube for a relative with advanced dementia will find little comfort from a new review of evidence.

Stand and Deliver? Upright Labor Positions Reduce Pain, Speed Birth

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Women who walk, sit, kneel or otherwise avoid lying in bed during early labor can shorten the first stage of labor by about an hour, according to a new Cochrane evidence review. Women who labored out of bed during the early stages were also 17 percent less likely to seek pain relief through epidural analgesia, the review found.

Statins Do Not Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease, Review Finds

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, An increasing number of studies show that elevated serum cholesterol levels might be part of the cause of Alzheimer disease, but a new review of studies says that, even so, the most successful class of cholesterol-lowering medicines will not stave off the condition.

Weight-Loss Surgery Works Even for Moderately Obese

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Surgeons once recommended weight-loss surgery only for severely obese patients who failed to drop pounds with conventional weight-loss methods, but a new review finds that bariatric surgery helps the moderately obese lose more weight, too.

Wrist Acupuncture or Acupressure Prevents Nausea From Anesthesia

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Up to 80 percent of patients who have surgery complain of nausea and vomiting afterwards, but stimulating an acupoint in their wrists can help reduce these symptoms, finds a new evidence review.

Arkansas Health Plan Sees Higher Costs for Unhealthy Behaviors

04/14/2009, Cochrane Library, Your insurance company would like you to stop smoking, lose weight and get off the couch - for your health and its financial well-being.

Better Diabetes Self-Care Might Not Mean Lower Blood Sugar

03/28/2009, Health Services Research, People with diabetes who feel they have better control over life events are more likely to take good care of themselves and to believe they have the condition under control, but these factors do not translate to improved blood sugar levels, according to a new study of 1,034 adults.

Clinic-Owner Urologists Perform More Surgeries Than Peers

03/28/2009, Health Services Research, A new study finds that Florida urologists who own outpatient surgery clinics perform more kidney-stone surgeries than their colleagues do, raising questions about whether some of the physicians are more concerned about profits than they are about patients.

'Born in the USA' Might Mean Higher BMI for Asian-Americans

03/24/2009, American Journal of Epidemiology , Socioeconomic status alone might not be as reliable a predictor of body mass index (BMI) in U.S. residents as previously thought, according to a new study.

Where Asian-Americans Live Might Affect Whether They Smoke

03/24/2009, American Journal of Public Health, Does the neighborhood where you live play a role in whether you become a smoker? According to a new study, certain neighborhood traits might in fact have some influence.

Ethnic Background Matters for Type 2 Diabetes

03/18/2009, Ethnicity and Disease, The prevalence of diabetes is at least twice as high in some ethnic groups as it is in whites, even among people with similar body mass index (BMI) numbers, a large new study finds.

Low Fruit, Vegetable Intake Is a Worldwide Problem

03/17/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study that looks at the fruit and vegetable consumption of nearly 200,000 people in developing countries finds that the prevalence of inadequate diet is "remarkably high" across the globe.

Sustained Physical Activity Better for Preventing Obesity in Kids

03/17/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Several bursts of exercise that last five minutes or more might be better for preventing childhood obesity than are intermittent physical activity sessions lasting four minutes or less throughout the day.

Professors Urge Food Industry to Avoid Tobacco Playbook

03/13/2009, The Milbank Quarterly, Two of the nation's top public-health specialists are issuing a call to arms in a new journal article, urging the food industry not to follow the same playbook as cigarette companies did starting in the 1950s.

Persistent Electronic Warnings Push Some Smokers to Quit

03/03/2009, Annals of Behavioral Medicince, Go ahead. Nag, nag, nag. It might do some good after all. The more smokers worry about health risks, the more they will contemplate quitting, according to a new study in the latest issue of the journal Annals of Behavioral Medicine.

Sad or Angry Teens Have Less Success With Diabetes Control

03/03/2009, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Teens with type 1 diabetes are responsible for taking insulin, monitoring blood sugar levels and keeping doctor visits. Now, a new study suggests that feelings such as anger or sadness could interfere with teens' diabetes management.

Perceived Racism Not a Barrier to HIV Testing for N.C. Blacks

02/26/2009, American Journal of Public Health, Although one might expect awareness of racism to be a barrier, it seemed to have the opposite effect in a study on African-Americans and HIV testing.

Low Literacy Can Lead to Food 'Portion Distortion'

02/26/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, How big is a serving of spaghetti or a cup of cranberry juice? A new study suggests people with lower literacy levels might have a more difficult time sizing up the foods they eat.

Think Twice Before Allowing Your 10-Year-Old to Work

02/24/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study finds that - despite being responsible enough to have a job at such a young age - fifth-graders who work are more likely to exhibit bad health behaviors than their unemployed 10-year-old peers.

Study Links Internet Addiction to Aggression in Teens

02/23/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Armed with the findings of a new study, Taiwanese researchers suggest parents and educators pay more attention to children's online habits because Internet-addicted teens seem more prone to aggression. However, Americans who study violence are not ready to make any conclusions about a possible link.

Health Care Providers Urged to Address Unhealthy Teen Dieting

02/20/2009, Journal of Adolescent Health, Discouraging unhealthy dieting - and reminding teens that dangerous diet practices could lead to added pounds - could prevent obesity and other weight-related problems in youth, according to recent recommendations based on a large-scale study of teens.

Parents of Children With Disabilities Face More Daily Stress

2/17/2009, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, Raising a child with a disability can cause more daily stress and long-range health problems than parenting a child without disabilities, according to a new study that looked at a clinical measure of stress along with parents' survey responses.

Older Adults Say Cash Might Motivate Them to Walk

2/10/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, In 2006, a team of researchers set out to examine what sorts of walking programs and incentives might induce sedentary people over age 50 to put on their sneakers. They found that small cash payments might just provide that extra push.

Street Lighting Can Be Low-Cost Way to Prevent Traffic Accidents

2/10/2009, Cochrane Library, Street lighting can help prevent car crashes, injuries and fatalities, and might be a relatively low-cost way to reduce the burden of traffic accidents in low- and middle-income countries, according to a new review of studies.

Chaotic Households Contribute to Mothers' Obesity

2/5/2009, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Putting food on the table, struggling with unemployment and meeting the relentless needs of young children all contribute to household stress. Now, a new study finds that these pressures also increase the possibility that a mother will be obese.

Poor, Uninsured Fathers Fall Under the Radar, Study Suggests

2/5/2009, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A new study shows that more than half of low-income U.S. fathers have no health insurance, and even those with jobs do not always have access to affordable coverage.

Benefits of 'Hospital at Home' Unclear for Early Discharge Patients

2/3/2009, Cochrane Library, Faced with a shortage of beds and costly patient care, some hospitals are turning to programs that provide acute care for patients at home. However, there is not yet enough information to know whether these "hospital at home" programs improve health and reduce costs for patients discharged early from the hospital, according to a new research review.

Kids Need More Physical Activity in School, Review Says

2/3/2009, Cochrane Library, Did your daughter work up a sweat playing basketball in gym class today or did she spend half the class hanging out on the bleachers? Most likely, physical education is not even part of her daily schedule.

No Proven Role for Diet in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

1/27/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review finds no definitive connection between diet and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints.

Problem Drinkers Respond to Feedback From College-Age Peers

1/27/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, For drinkers concerned that their alcohol use might be spiraling out of control, a personalized self-help program can curb dangerous drinking habits in just a single session, a new review finds.

Ankle Splints Improve Mobility After Stroke

1/22/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review shows that ankle and foot splints can help stroke patients regain the ability to walk and keep their balance, although splints - also called orthotics - offer less improvement for other activities, like climbing stairs.

Fatigued Cancer Patients Might Benefit From Specialized Counseling

1/22/2009, Cochrane Library, Addressing the psychological, social and behavioral aspects of fatigue during active cancer treatment is "a promising type of intervention," according to a new systematic review.

Mood Disorders, Migraines Might Be Connected

1/21/2009, General Hospital Psychiatry, Migraine headaches can precede the onset of mental disorders, according to a growing body of knowledge that includes a new study in the January-February 2009 issue of General Hospital Psychiatry.

'Positive' Studies More Likely to Make It Into Medical Journals

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, Confirming suspicions that studies with low-key results often get neglected, a review finds that research is more likely to end up in print if it has a certain 'wow' factor.

Ex-Smokers Have Few Proven Weapons Against Relapse, Weight Gain

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, U.S. President-elect Barack Obama has pledged to keep the White House a "smoke-free zone" when he takes office on January 20, despite his admitted struggles with tobacco relapse.

Help Possible for People Obsessed With Imaginary Physical Flaws

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, Worrying about a bad hair day or idly wishing for a more-perfect profile: we've all been there. However, people suffering from body dysmorphic disorder go far beyond that, obsessing over exaggerated or even imaginary physical defects, to the point where it affects their ability to work, attend school or have ordinary social contacts.

Lifestyle Changes Help Reduce Child Obesity, New Review Finds

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review of studies spread over five continents finds that overweight or obese children and teens can lose weight with lifestyle changes - sometimes coupled with medication.

Low Glycemic Diets Help Diabetics Control Blood Sugar

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, A new Cochrane review finds that following a low glycemic index diet helps people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to improve their blood glucose (blood sugar) control significantly.

Migraines, Tension Headaches Respond to Acupuncture, Reviews Conclude

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, Two new systematic reviews have found that acupuncture therapy can provide patients who suffer from tension and migraine headache an alternative treatment for their pain.

Radiation Lowers Relapse Risk in Noninvasive Breast Cancer

1/20/2009, Cochrane Library, A new review confirms that the addition of radiation therapy to lumpectomy in the treatment of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a noninvasive early form of breast cancer, substantially decreases the risk of recurrence of either DCIS or invasive breast cancer in the affected breast.

Home Visits Reduce Risk of Low Birth Weight Babies

01/06/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Socially disadvantaged mothers who receive home visits from trained community visitors are less likely to deliver low birth weight babies than other mothers in similar circumstances, a new study finds.

Goal-Setting Drills Make for More Active Coworkers

01/06/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Workplace programs that encourage employees to set exercise goals pay off, finds a new study that looked at physical activity levels of Home Depot employees who participated in the "Move to Improve" program.

For Kids, More Screen Time Means Lower Fitness Scores

01/06/2009, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, If videogames like "Madden NFL" did not exist, 12-year-old Tom might go outside and toss around a real football - and he'd have a better chance of sprinting for a touchdown without getting winded.

Exercise Is Healthy Option for Kids With Developmental Disabilities

12/31/2008, American Journal of Health Promotion, Group exercise programs, treadmill training and horseback riding can be healthy choices for children with developmental disabilities, a new review of studies concludes.

Health Plan Restraints Might Keep Patients From Choosing Quality Care

12/24/2009, Medical Care, Public reports on the quality of care delivered by health plans might motivate patients to choose better providers - if they are not constrained by issues of cost and accessibility to doctors, according to a review of recent studies.

Teens Girls Smoke Now, Pay Later With Larger Waistlines as Adults

12/11/2008, American Journal of Public Health , Remember the cool girls, huddled together in high school restrooms, puffing their cigarettes? Well, here's consolation for the nerds in the crowd2Those teen smokers are more likely to experience obesity as adults, according to a new study from Finland.

Anxiety Underlies "White Coat" Hypertension

12/9/2008, Archives of Internal Medicine, A new study suggests that spikes of anxiety can cause the blood pressure of some people to rise when a doctor is examining them, a phenomenon known as the "white coat effect."

Older Adults Gain Strength in Community Workout Programs

12/09/2008, American Journal of Public Health, Older adults who participate regularly in physical activity programs in their community can see noticeable improvement in upper- and lower-body strength, a new study finds.

Press "One" if You Want Your Child to Eat Right

12/02/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Imagine turning the tech era's most annoying invention - voice-response telephone systems *#45;into something good. Researchers say they did exactly that in a new study on the use of interactive-voice response counseling to offer nutrition tips to families with obese children.

Doctors Often Skip Health Behavior Conversations With Teens

12/01/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health, Although national health guidelines call for physicians to discuss topics such as substance use, safety and nutrition with adolescents, new research suggests that these talks do not occur as often as they should.

Younger Alcoholic Men at Risk for Osteoporosis, Small Study Finds

12/01/2008, Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, Low bone mass, or osteoporosis, is a known consequence of alcoholism, especially in older alcoholics. However, a new study shows that younger male alcoholics are also at increased risk for osteoporosis. People with osteoporosis, no matter what the cause, are at an increased risk for fractures and poor fracture healing.

Electronic Records Could Help Reduce Malpractice, Study Hints

11/25/2008, Archives of Internal Medicine, A new study provides limited evidence that physicians could make fewer mistakes on the job by abandoning paper-based medicine in favor of electronic health records

Self-Weighing Could Help Teens Achieve Healthy Weight Control

11/20/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health, Overweight teens who weigh themselves at least once a week are more likely to engage in other healthy weight control measures than teens who step on the scale less frequently, according to a new small study.

Doctors Hesitate to Discuss Fertility Preservation With Cancer Patients

11/18/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health, Although some teenagers and young adults become infertile following cancer treatment, physicians are hesitant to discuss options to preserve fertility with patients, according to a new Florida study.

Chronic Pain Might Contribute to Suicidal Thoughts, Study Finds

11/11/08, General Hospital Psychiatry, New research suggests that patients with chronic pain are more prone than others are to consider suicide. The increased risk remained even when study authors took the possible influence of mental illness into account.

Depression Can Hamper Glucose Control in People With Diabetes

11/11/2008, General Hospital Psychiatry, Depression can cause diabetes patients to suffer from higher glucose levels over time compared to those who are not depressed, finds a study of older veterans with the disease.

African-Americans Smoke Less in Teens, Catch Up by 30s

11/10/2008, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, African-Americans are much less likely to smoke than whites are during their teens. However, a new study finds that most of this advantage disappears by mid-adulthood.

Review Supports Access to Online Medical Records for Teens

11/10/08, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new review of existing research and expert opinions suggest that there are many benefits to allowing adolescents to review their own health information online and to send messages to their doctors.

Exercise, Calcium-Rich Diet Could Cut Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

11/06/08, American Journal of Health Promotion, Adopting daily exercise sessions and a calcium-rich diet could reduce the risk of a group of health risk factors called the metabolic syndrome, finds a new study of Illinois adults.

Phone Coaching Can Help Promote Modest Weight Loss

10/31/2008, American Journal of Health Promotion, Many Americans rarely leave home without their phones, and that could come in handy for those attempting to lose weight, according to a new study.

Blacks at Higher Risk of Heart Failure

10/25/2008, Archives of Internal Medicine, While African-Americans are not any more likely to suffer heart attacks than whites are, they're nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure, apparently because of their propensity to develop high blood pressure and diabetes, according to a study in the October 27 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.

Unstable Workplace Might Increase Employee Risk for Heart Attack

10/23/2008, American Journal of Public Health, Predictable workplaces are healthy workplaces, a new study suggests. When employees feel ambiguous about their role in the organization and there is a lack of clear-cut communication, they might be at higher risk for heart attacks over time.

Colorado Newborns at Most Risk Miss Hearing Screening Tests

10/21/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, A new study of Colorado birth records shows that infants with low Apgar scores - the widely used measure of newborn health - are 10 times less likely to receive an initial hearing loss screening than babies with normal Apgars. Low-weight babies also are four times more likely to go untested. In both cases, these babies are at greater risk for the most common birth defect2hearing loss.

Computer-Assisted Counseling Might Help Prevent Major Birth Defects

10/21/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Neural tube birth defects - a group of major birth defects including spina bifida - can be avoided in most cases by women taking folic acid supplementation before becoming pregnant. Yet, many women do not know about this simple preventive measure.

Some Latinas Dissatisfied With Mastectomy-Lumpectomy Decision

10/21/2008, Patient Education and Counseling, Women who prefer to speak Spanish in daily life are far unhappier with the decision#45;making process after having to choose between mastectomy and lumpectomy than Latinas who prefer to speak English, African#45;Americans and white women, finds a new U.S. study of breast cancer patients.

Suicide Rises in White Middle-Aged Americans

10/21/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Teen suicide gets plenty of airtime, but a new U.S. study finds that middle-aged whites are an emerging high-risk group.

Study: Federal Anti-Drug Ad Didnt Work

10/14/2008, American Journal of Public Health, New research finds that a national campaign's anti-drug TV ads failed to convince young children and teenagers to stay away from marijuana and actually might have encouraged some to try smoking pot.

Antibiotic Ointment Might Reduce Risk of Dangerous Staph Infections

10/14/2008, Cochrane Library, A nasal antibiotic ointment could slash rates of staph infection without causing antibiotic resistance, a new review of studies concludes.

Effect of Acupuncture on IVF Remains Unclear

10/14/2008, Cochrane Library, The use of acupuncture to increase fertility is far from new - dating back to Taoist tradition over 8,000 years ago - but its use in societies in which Western medicine dominates is less than a century old, and no one knows for sure whether acupuncture can increase the chances of becoming pregnant. A new review of studies attempts to come closer to an answer.

People With Intellectual Disabilities Face Health Care Hurdles

People with intellectual disabilities face a variety of barriers when it comes to organizing their health care, and there's little research to direct health care providers in helping them, according to a new review of studies.

Honey Holds Some Promise for Treating Burns

Can honey treat a wound? Smeared on a burn, the sticky elixir could reduce the time it takes for the wound to heal - up to four days sooner in some cases - a new review of studies suggests.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery Relieves More Symptoms Than Splinting

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is more effective at relieving the symptoms of the painful condition than splinting, according to an updated review of studies. Patients have significantly less pain, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness at three months and a year after surgery, compared to those who choose non-surgical treatment.

New Review Scopes Out Mouthwash Evidence

As it turns out, there are actually three certainties in life: death, taxes and bad breath. Researchers say it is a problem for more than half of Americans. And while antibacterial agents can reduce bad breath, researchers want to know more about the mouthwashes readily available on the market or by prescription. A new review of studies looks at cures for the condition formally known as halitosis.

Ear Tubes Reduce Infections, Review Concludes

Once again, your baby is spiking a fever and tugging at his earlobe, obviously in pain. Your pediatrician confirms what you already knew2another middle ear infection. Only this go-round, instead of taking a "wait and see" approach or prescribing antibiotics, she suggests it might be time to turn to tubes.

Exercise Helps Reduce Pain, Disability After Lower Back Surgery

An updated review from the Netherlands suggests that exercise programs starting four to six weeks after herniated disk surgery could lead to more rapid pain relief and a quicker recovery from disability - without increasing the risk of additional surgery.

Review: Anti-Clotting Drug Helps Patients With Immobilized Legs

Patients who have immobilized lower legs due to a plaster cast or brace can greatly reduce their risk of a dangerous blood clot if they take a common anticoagulant drug. In a new Cochrane Library review, the researchers suggest that such adult patients should have routine treatment with the drug known as low-molecular-weight heparin.

St. John's Wort Helps Some Patients With Major Depression

The herbal medicine St. John's wort appears to work just as well as some prescribed antidepressants for treating patients with major depression, a new review finds. However, patients in German-speaking countries might experience the best benefits.

NYC Community Outreach Improves Childhood Immunization Rates

9/23/2008, American Journal of Public Health, Children whose parents receive educational outreach from community health groups might show improvements in getting necessary childhood immunizations, a new study finds.

Economic Fears Can Affect Dental Care

9/19/2008, Health Services Research, Regular checkups and cleaning can save money in the end by heading off problems early. Nevertheless, when times get tough and people start losing their jobs, preventive dental care can be one of the first things to go.

Pregnant Illinois Women Increasingly Choosing Induced Labor

9/18/2008, Medical Care, A growing number of pregnant women are opting to have induced labor, according to a 12-year study of women in Illinois.

Depression Common in Sarcoidosis Patients, Small Study Finds

9/17/2008, General Hospital Psychiatry, New Italian research adds to evidence that people with the immune condition called sarcoidosis often suffer from mental health problems, especially depression.

One in Five ICU Survivors Experiences PTSD

9/17/2008, General Hospital Psychiatry, Thanks to advances in critical care medicine, patients admitted to the intensive care unit today are more likely than ever to survive their stay. Yet outliving the physical trauma or illness that required ICU treatment often leaves long-lasting psychological scars, a new review finds.

Depression Common in Sarcoidosis Patients, Small Study Finds

9/17/2008, General Hospital Psychiatry, New Italian research adds to evidence that people with the immune condition called sarcoidosis often suffer from mental health problems, especially depression.

Mixed Results for Personal Health Record System

9/16/2008, Archives of Internal Medicine, An online personal health record system that allowed people with diabetes to check their lab results and get guidance about medication proved to be of only limited use in improving their health outcomes, researchers found.

Men, Young Adults Tend to Downplay Osteoporosis Risk

9/15/2008, Health Education & Young adults and men do not see themselves as susceptible to osteoporosis, according to a new study. In their minds, the risk of suffering from what many consider an older woman's disease seems distant or slim.

Seniors in Poorer ZIP Codes Less Likely to Survive Surgery

9/11/2008, Elderly patients living in impoverished areas are more likely to die after undergoing surgery compared to peers from higher-income ZIP codes, a new study finds.

Docs Don't Deliver "No Smoking" Message to Pregnant Women

9/9/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, While everyone knows that smoking is bad for you and that smoking while pregnant is bad for baby, too, pregnant smokers don't receive much help from their physicians to quit smoking, and few quit once they enter prenatal care, according to a new study.

Emotional Intelligence Training Might Improve Doctor/Patient Relationships

9/9/2008, Training in emotional intelligence could help medical residents and fellows become more sensitive toward their patients, according to a commentary in the September 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Exercise Helps With Body Image, Depression in Pregnancy

9/3/2008, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Exercise can help expectant moms in mind as well as body. A new study suggests that women who stay active and are more positive about their changing shapes might protect themselves from depression both during and after pregnancy.

Exercise Helps With Body Image, Depression in Pregnancy

Virginity Pledges Show Signs of Success

9/2/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study suggests that adolescents who take virginity pledges delay having sexual intercourse longer than kids who are similar to them but do not take a pledge.

Younger Smokers on Fast Track to Behavior Problems Later

9/2/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health, Adolescents who have tried cigarettes by seventh grade are much more likely to become regular smokers and have behavior problems as teens, a new study finds.

Happiness and Satisfaction Might Lead to Better Health

8/29/2008, American Journal of Health Promotion, It's the opposite of a vicious cycle: Healthy people might be happier, and a new study shows that people who are happy and satisfied with their lives might be healthier.

Reducing Risky Health Behaviors in Teens: A Tall Order

08/21/08, Journal of Adolescent Health, A new study by Canadian researchers finds that programs targeting at-risk kids must tackle a constellation of issues in order to be effective.

Sexual Matters Don't Sway Mothers on HPV Vaccine

08/21/08, Journal of Adolescent Health, The opinions of women about sexual matters do not play a significant role in their decisions about whether girls in their care should receive a vaccine against a sexually transmitted virus, according to a new survey.

Medicare Support Pays Off for Senior Smokers Trying to Quit

08/18/08, Health Services Research, New research suggests that Medicare could help seniors stop smoking by providing nicotine patches and a telephone hotline to those who want to quit.

Government Saves Money By Funding Family Planning Clinics

08/14/08, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, Publicly funded clinics that provide women with reproductive health care save government money, a recent analysis concludes.

Nebraska Women Benefit From Efforts to Close Gaps in Cancer Screening

08/14/08, Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, A decade-long Nebraska study that showed disparities in breast and cervical cancer screenings could have spurred changes that raised the percentage of women screened in the state.

Home Smoking Bans Prevent Teens From Lighting Up

08/13/08, American Journal of Public Health, Parents who enforce no-smoking rules at home are less likely to have teens who experiment with cigarettes, a new study finds.

Exercise Can Lead to Drop in Blood Pressure, If Patients Get Message

08/12/08, Ethnicity & Disease, Working up a sweat could be the most important lifestyle change people with high blood pressure - or hypertension - can make in their daily lives. Yet, although patients who receive exercise counseling seem to listen, few physicians actually take the time to talk about physical activity with their patients, a large nationwide study finds.

Married Adults Report Better Health, But Singles Are Catching Up

08/11/08, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, For years, researchers have known that adults who have swapped rings say they are healthier than their never-married peers are. According to a recent study, though, singles are catching up when it comes to good health.

Diet, Exercise and Culturally Sensitive Care Can Prevent or Control Diabetes

07/31/08, Cochrane Library, A healthy diet and exercise program are part of the prescription for people with type 2 diabetes, but two new research reviews suggest they can also help to prevent the disease.

Tapes, Transcripts Might Help Cancer Patients Recall Medical Information

07/31/08, Cochrane Library, Patients can find it hard to absorb what their doctors tell them during stressful moments. Recordings or transcripts of office visits could help people with cancer - or their family members - recall medical information they might otherwise have missed, a new review suggests.

'Walkable' Neighborhoods Mean Thinner Residents in Large Utah Study

07/29/08, Commuters trekking into the office from the outer edges of suburbia should take note: It might be healthier to settle in an old neighborhood close to town and walk to work. According to a large new study, the more "walkable" an area is, the less residents are at risk for having excess weight.

Do Reading Materials for Health Professionals Improve Patient Outcomes?

07/29/08, Health professionals widely use printed educational materials - short clinical guidelines, newsletters, journal articles - to raise their awareness and to improve professional practice and patient health care outcomes. Yet there is little proof that they do so.

Doctors Don't Change Their Routine During Longer Consultations

07/29/08, Some patients might feel like they spend more time in the waiting room than actually talking with their doctor, but a new review of studies suggests that these consultations would not be much different if patients had more face time with their physicians.

Tobacco Companies Find Loophole in Settlement Stance on Outdoor Ads

07/29/08, It has been years since tobacco companies vowed to stop targeting children with slick ads featuring cartoon characters, but new research suggests that children remain in the crosshairs of the industry's advertising strategy.

Zinc Could Saves Lives of Children With Diarrhea

07/29/08, An estimated 2 million children in developing countries die each year from diarrhea, but simple zinc treatment could reduce the risk of such deaths.

Current Stats Severely Underestimate Costs of Medical Errors

07/28/08, Health Services Research, Medical errors drive hospital costs up and while many seek ways to reduce these mistakes, not all fully understand their financial effects. A new review suggests that current statistics on medical mistakes might not be comprehensive because they do not factor in all inpatient costs or include readmissions and patient care for the 90 days following surgery.

Little Evidence That Treating Varicoceles in Men Boosts Pregnancy Rates

07/24/08, Cochrane Library, A recent review of studies from the Netherlands finds no evidence that treating varicoceles - a somewhat common condition in men with fertility problems - improves a couple's chances of conceiving a baby.

Freedom's Just Another Word for Less Sexually Active Teens

07/23/08, Journal of Adolescent Health, Sophisticated statistical research is providing more evidence of a link between rigid parenting and increased sexual activity in older teens.

Frequent Family Meals Might Reduce Teen Substance Use

07/23/08, Journal of Adolescent Health, Parents who have regular meals with their adolescent children might help lessen the chances they will start drinking or smoking later in their teen years, according to new research.

Residents' Input Leads to Better Health in North Carolina Community

07/22/08, American Journal of Public Health, Community involvement was the key to success for a program that helped reduce risky health behaviors in a largely African-American area of Charlotte, N.C., according to a new study in the September issue of the American Journal of Public Health.

Young Smokers Have Quitting on Their Minds

07/22/08, American Journal of Public Health, Quitting is on the minds of young smokers well before full-blown addiction sets in, according to a new study from Canada.

Can Today's Doctors Be Competent Without Computers?

07/17/08, The Milbank Quarterly

Most Adults Don't Realize Activity Lowers Colon Cancer Risk

07/17/08, Patient Education and Counseling

Review: Exercise Not Proven as Dementia Treatment

07/17/08, Cochrane Library

Breast Self-Exams Do Not Appear to Reduce Breast Cancer Deaths

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Oxygen Therapy Might Ease Pain of Migraine, Cluster Headaches

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Removing Healthy Ovaries in Premenopausal Women: No Sure Answers

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Contests to Quit Smoking Don't Work in Long Run

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Studies Suggest, But Don't Confirm, Bullying-Suicide Connection

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Unimmunized Kids Less Likely to Get Chickenpox if Vaccinated After Exposure

07/15/08, Cochrane Library

Jury Still Out on Organ Transplant Success in HIV-Positive Patients

7/11/2008, Emerging Technology (TARGET™) Evidence Report, Does organ transplantation work as well in HIV-positive patients as in those without HIV infection? A new systematic review of six small studies indicates that the jury is still out; however, a larger multicenter trial now underway could provide answers.

Depression Ups Risk of Complications Following Heart Attack

7/1/2008, Psychosomatics

Some Poor Households Opt for Cigarettes Over Food

7/1/2008, American Journal of Health Promotion

On-the-Job Weight Loss: Worksite Programs Work

6/30/2008, American Journal of Health Promotion

Poverty, Poor Health Might Influence Colorectal Cancer Screening Attendance

6/27/2008, Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Men, Especially Blacks, More Likely to Miss Own Hypertension

6/26/2008, Archives of Internal Medicine

Kids With Special Needs Face Bumpy Transition to Adult Health Care

6/23/2008, Journal of Adolescent Health

Fewer Heart Disease Deaths in Massachusetts as Smoking Declines

6/19/2008, American Journal of Public Health

Poor Children More Likely to Develop Diabetes as Adults

6/19/2008, American Journal of Public Health

Lack of Diversity in Genetic Counselors Could Affect Patients

6/18/2008, Journal of Genetic Counseling

Group Talks Help Men Decide on Prostate Screening

6/17/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Obese Women in Canada Less Likely to Get Pap Tests

6/17/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Social Trust Leads to Better Health, Twin Study Suggests

6/17/2008, American Journal of Preventive Medicine

Socializing Can Help Elderly Women Stay Sharp

06/03/08, American Journal of Public Health

Vigorous Exercise Can Help Seniors Avoid Disability

06/03/08, American Journal of Public Health

Postcard Mailings Drive More Smokers to Quit Lines

05/29/08

Insured, Low-Income Patients Face Hurdles to Health Care Access

05/20/08

Race, Ethnicity Might Influence Psychiatric Diagnosis in Children's ERs

05/15/08

N.J. Hospital Patients Have Limited Access to Interpreters

05/13/08

Poor Rural Communities Need More Access to Health Information

05/13/08

Culture-Specific Asthma Education Could Improve Quality of Life

05/08/08

Review Determines Most Effective Emergency Contraception Method

05/08/08

Blacks, Hispanics Less Aware of When to Call 911 for Heart Attack Signs

05/07/08

Common Drug Eases Leg Cramping, Enables Farther Walking

05/06/08

Similar Outcomes for Minimally Invasive, Open Surgery in Colon Cancer

05/06/08

Having a Drink During Pregnancy Is Common for French Women

05/04/08

When Doctors Tell Patients to Quit Smoking, They Listen

04/24/08

Studies of Diet Offer Little Insight to Preventing Pregnancy-Related Diabetes

04/29/08

CDC Says One-Fourth of Toddlers Behind on Vaccinations

04/29/08

Blacks on Medicaid Carry Heavier Cancer Burden Than Whites Do

04/24/08

Patients Often DonPatients to Quit Smoking, They

04/24/08

Review2Doctors Should Consider Alternatives to Antibiotics for Sinusitis

04/24/08

Benefits of Omega-3s Still Unclear for Bipolar Disorder

04/22/08

Lumbar Supports Not Particularly Effective for Low Back Pain

04/22/08

Aerobic Exercise Boosts Older Bodies and Minds, Review Suggests

04/17/08

Mistletoe as Cancer Treatment2Review Calls Evidence Weak

04/17/08

Dust Mites Outlast Heroic Efforts to Help Asthma Patients

04/15/08

Exercise Combats Cancer-Related Fatigue

04/15/08

Antioxidant Users Don't Live Longer, Analysis of Studies Concludes

04/15/08

Splints Good as Casts for Minor Wrist Fractures - When Kids Wear Them

04/15/08

Studies Don't Support Common Treatments for Patchy Hair Loss

04/15/08

Children Should Not Take Antihistamines for Chronic Cough, Reviewers Say

04/15/08

Customized Health Education Not Always Necessary

04/08/08

Simple Schedule Changes Could Improve Shift Worker Health

04/08/08

Social Support Reduces Stress of Genetic Counseling for Cancer

04/08/08

Better-Educated Smokers More Likely to Try Quitting in Response to Ads

04/01/08

Physically Active Smokers More Likely to Kick the Habit

04/01/08

Even After Surgery, Women Remain Unsure of Breast Cancer Survival Rates

03/31/08

Treating Wife's Stress May Be Indirect Care for Men With Prostate Cancer

03/21/08

Comprehensive Sex Education Might Reduce Teen Pregnancies, Study Finds

03/19/08

Minnesota Parents Support Birth-Control Education

03/19/08

Mailed Reminders Encourage Heart Attack Patients to Take Medicine

03/11/08

Poor Neighborhoods Create Health "Double Jeopardy" for Minority Kids

03/11/08

Increasing Income Support to Poor Elderly Might Improve Health, Study Hints

03/10/08

Depression, Anxiety Are Linked to Obesity, Unhealthy Habits

03/05/08

Many Women of Childbearing Age Missing Folic Acid Message

03/04/08

Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Worldwide Concern

02/28/08

Study Supports 'Decision Aids' for Men Considering Prostate Test

02/26/08

Involved Patients Aren't Always the Healthiest, Small Study Finds

02/21/08

Contribution of Cancer Care Nurses Is Hard to Gauge

02/21/08

Antidepressants Can Help With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

02/19/08

Benefits of Medicare-Paid Mammography Lag for Black Women

02/14/08

Hair Stylists Promote Breast Cancer Prevention Messages to Clients

02/14/08

"Abstinence-Plus" Programs Can Reduce Risky Sexual Behaviors in Youth

02/12/08

Drug Co-payments, Caps Might Deprive Patients of Needed Medications

02/12/08

Little Evidence That Psychotherapy Helps Elderly With Depression

02/12/08

Older Antiviral Drugs Limited in Preventing, Treating Flu in Children

02/07/08

Heart Disease Patients Need Sustained Support to Quit Smoking

02/07/08

Urban Sprawl Puts Teen Drivers at Even Higher Risk

02/05/08

Magazine Ads for Smokeless Tobacco Reach Many Adolescents

02/05/08

Antidepressants Unproven as Treatment for Low Back Pain

01/29/08

Group Aid Improves Diet, May Cut Diabetes Risk in American Indian Women

01/29/08

Intensive Education Helps Back Pain Sufferers Get Back to Work

01/29/08

Geriatric Care Associated With Safer Prescribing Among Elderly Vets

01/24/08

Review Looks at Latest Birth Control Options

01/24/08

Nursing Home Report Card Makes the Grade

01/23/08

OTC Cough Medicine: Not Worthwhile for Children or Adults?

01/22

Cranberries Might Help Prevent Urinary Infections in Women

01/22

No Sure Answers to Reduce Mammography Discomfort

01/22

NSAIDs No Better Than Other Over-the-Counter Drugs for Low Back Pain

01/22

Hand Washing Promotion Can Save Lives in Developing Countries

01/22

Nurses' Advice Boosts Smokers' Chances of Quitting

01/22

Doctors Underestimate the Power of Screening for Problem Drinking

01/08

Hardcore Smokers Most Likely to Turn to Treatment

01/08

Alcoholics With Depression Less Likely to Stay Sober

01/03

Clearer Antibullying Laws Needed to Address Children's Health

12/19

Study Links Sex Education to Delayed Teen Intercourse

12/19

Creative Work Has Health Advantages, Study Suggests

12/13

Childhood Cancer Survivors Catch Up in School, Work as Young Adults

12/12

Obesity Leads to More Hospital Admissions, Longer Stays

12/11

Unpaid Caregiving Extracts Hidden Costs From Labor Force, Economy

12/07

Veterans With Cancer Might Fall Under Radar for Depression

12/04

Homemade YouTube Videos on Immunization Capture Audience Attention

12/04

Hiring One Extra Nurse Might Help Hospitals Save Lives

11/27

Abstinence Offers Alcoholics Best Chance for Lasting Recovery

11/27

Community Health Centers Show Improved Diabetes Care

11/27

Education Gap Associated With Higher Death Rates Across Ethnic Groups

11/27

Pneumococcal Infection Rates Drop, Despite Uneven Childhood Vaccination

11/27

Asthma Education Brochures Aimed at Minorities Miss the Mark in Wisconsin

11/15

PET Scans Useful for Some Cancer Treatment, But How Do Patients Fare?

11/13

Black Nursing Home Residents Hospitalized More Often Than Whites

11/08

Blacks, Non-Bilingual Hispanics at Higher Risk for Old-Age Disability

11/08

Obesity, Smoking, Alcoholism Escalate Costs to Military Health Plan

11/06

Smokers Who Quit Have Less Money Stress

11/06

Linking Doctors' Pay to Performance Has Little Effect on Diabetes Outcomes

11/01

Study of Minority NYC Youth Finds Unequal Burden of Poor Dental Health

11/01

Obesity Shortens Lifespan and Costs Society Billions

Aspirin's Effect on Conception by IVF Unclear

Decision Aids Help Women Make Menopause Treatment Choices

Exercise, Psychological Counseling Could Ease Cancer-Related Fatigue

Older Women Can Use Decision Aids to Sort Out Mammogram Options

Little Point to Stretching to Relieve Muscle Soreness

No Need to Fast Directly After Major Gynecologic Surgery

Research on Language Barriers in Health Care Is Scarce

Despite numerous studies showing that people who speak little English have less access to health care and receive poorer quality care, there is surprisingly little research on what solutions work best to overcome language barriers to care, according to a review published in The Milbank Quarterly this month. 3/15

Community-Wide Health Program Slows Creep Toward Heart Disease

A five-year push to blanket a Dutch community with healthy heart programs and education curtailed three major risk factors for heart disease2body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure. 3/2

Acute Stress Boosts Flu Shot Response in Women, Small Study Finds

Women who participated in short bouts of physical or mental activity before receiving a flu shot produced more antibodies than other women, according to the first study of this effect in humans. 3/2

Public Housing Conditions Can Contribute to Obesity, Study Finds

People living in urban public housing have few places to get a healthy meal and less-than-ideal facilities for exercise, according to a new study done in Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo. 2/28

Adolescents' Grades, Well-Being Suffer Along With Body Image

A new study of nearly 7,000 Chinese adolescents found that boys and girls who felt they were fat were more likely to report being overwhelmed by schoolwork and less likely to shake off sad feelings. Those feelings of stress and depression also held true for children who were actually normal weight or underweight. 2/28

Religious Older Women More Apt to Keep Active, Study Finds

As a group, older women lead the ranks of too-sedentary Americans, but a new study suggests that those who are religious are also more observant about keeping active in old age. 2/24

Cruise Ship Outbreaks of Gastroenteritis on Rise Since 2001

Cases of diarrheal disease in passengers on cruise ships increased during 2001 through 2004, despite good results from environmental health sanitation inspection of the ships, a new study has found. 2/23

Cigarette Promotions Successfully Target Certain Groups, Study Finds

Promotional offers from cigarette makers are used by more than one-third of smokers, a new study finds, and are most likely to be used by young adults and African-Americans. 2/23

Binge Drinkers Have Highest Risk of Alcohol-Related Injury

Moderate drinkers who occasionally drink heavily are more likely to suffer an alcohol-related injury than chronic heavy drinkers, a Swiss study has found, and the risk is greatest during a bout of binge drinking. 2/22

Evidence Lacking for Inflatable Pants Heart Failure Therapy

A new review of studies supports the government's opinion that too little evidence exists to support a device that uses balloon-like pants as a treatment for heart failure. External counterpulsation (ECP), a noninvasive therapy to improve blood flow to the heart, is most commonly used to relieve hard-to-treat chest pain for heart patients who are not candidates for surgery. 2/21

Nonlatex Condoms Have Higher Breakage Rates, Review Finds

While nonlatex polyurethane condoms have higher breakage rates than latex condoms, they provide an "acceptable alternative" for persons who cannot or will not use latex condoms, researchers conclude in a review of clinical studies. 2/14

Diuretics Reduce Risk of Death From Congestive Heart Failure

Diuretics reduce the risk of death, delay heart deterioration and improve exercise capacity in patients with congestive heart failure, a new review of studies shows. 2/13

Few Effective Treatments Exist for Borderline Personality Disorder

No single treatment stands out as especially effective for borderline personality disorder, a mental illness that can involve self-harm and suicide attempts, according to two new reviews of recent studies. 2/8

Many Foreign-Born Women in Miami Are Not Vaccinated for Rubella

Contrary to federal recommendations, many women who are eligible for rubella vaccination are not being immunized after giving birth, a new study of Miami-area hospitals has found. 2/7

Urban Dog Owners Take Longer Walks

Dedicated dog owners log more exercise time than their urban neighbors without pet dogs, according to a study in the February issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2/7

Kegel Exercises Reduce Urinary Incontinence in Women, Study Confirms

Women suffering from urinary incontinence can benefit from pelvic floor muscle training, commonly known as Kegel exercises, according to a new review of studies. 2/2

Availability of Prescription Labels in Spanish Is Limited, Study Finds

A study of New York City pharmacies found that only 69 percent have the ability to provide prescription labels in Spanish and that pharmacists only do so upon customer request, despite the high concentration of Spanish speakers in the area surveyed. 2/1

Chemotherapy Within the Abdomen Is Beneficial for Advanced Ovarian Cancer

A new treatment for ovarian cancer based on injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdomen increases both disease-free and overall survival, according to a new review of studies. 2/1

Perception of Racial Barriers to Health Care Persists in Rural South

The perception that racial barriers to health care exist in the rural South is prevalent, especially among African-Americans but also among whites, according to a new study. 2/1

Surgery Best for Controlling Breast Cancer in Elderly Women, Study Finds

Although women over age 70 are rarely offered surgery to treat their breast cancer, a new review of recent studies suggests surgery works better than hormone therapy to stop the progression of breast cancer in older women with operable tumors. 1/30

Meditation, Relaxation Work Equally Well for Anxiety Disorders

Meditation helps patients cope with anxiety disorders, but no more than other relaxation techniques, according to a new review of studies. 1/26

Hypertension Data May Mask Racial Disparities Among Hispanics

Black Hispanics in America are suffering higher rates of hypertension than their Hispanic counterparts who are white, a new study finds. 1/25

Flu Shots for Toddlers Not Backed By Evidence, Major Study Says

U.S. health authorities should have waited for more evidence before recommending routine flu shots for healthy toddlers, according to a new systematic review of studies involving half a million children worldwide. 1/24

Chemotherapy With Radiation Works Better in Esophageal Cancer, Review Shows

Using both chemotherapy and radiation for treating cancer of the esophagus is more effective than radiation alone in patients who do not undergo surgery for their cancer and whose cancer has not spread, according to a large review of studies. 1/24

SSRI Drugs Ease Depression in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat depression, are effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, according to a large review of studies. Drug therapy treatment for PTSD is currently in early stages of data collection, and so it is not yet known if other types of drugs might work as well. 1/24

NSAIDs Somewhat Better Than Tylenol for Osteoarthritis, Review Finds

Although everyday acetaminophen reduces pain from osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, people with moderate to severe pain do better on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a new review of previous studies concluded 1/24

Alzheimer's Drugs Offer Modest Improvements, Equal Effectiveness

The Alzheimer's drugs Aricept, Razadyne and Exelon can lead to small improvements in mental functioning and the ability to carry out everyday activities in people with mild to moderate forms of the disease, according to a new review of recent studies. 1/24

Induced Labor Has Some Benefits in Cases of Premature Water Break

A new review of recent studies suggests there are some benefits to inducing labor in women whose water breaks at the point of full-term pregnancy but before the start of labor. 1/24

Low-Cost Drug Gaining Favor for Use in HIV-Infected Children in Poor Countries

A new systematic review highlights strong results from a single study at the center of mounting support for worldwide use of the low-cost drug Bactrim to help HIV-infected children in poor countries. 1/24

Birth Control Pills Do Not Lead to Major Weight Gain, Studies Find

Despite a common belief that birth control pills cause weight gain, a new comprehensive review of previous studies finds no evidence it is true. 1/24

Chinese Herbs Do Not Decrease Death From SARS, Studies Find

The addition of Chinese herbs to current Western therapy in treating SARS does not decrease the number of deaths among people with the virus, according to a new systematic review of studies. Herbal therapy may, however, improve symptoms associated with SARS. 1/24

Fibroid Procedure Shortens Hospital Stay But Increases Minor Complications

Compared to traditional surgery for uterine fibroids, a new minimally invasive procedure leads to shorter hospitalization and a quicker return to everyday activities, researchers report. 1/24

Studies Confirm Effectiveness of Fentanyl Lozenges for 'Breakthrough' Cancer Pain

The narcotic painkiller fentanyl relieves breakthrough pain quickly and more effectively than other narcotics and traditional drug therapy in patients with cancer, according to a systematic review of current evidence. 1/24

Massage for Childbirth Prep May Reduce Episiotomy Rate

Low-tech, at-home preparation in the last month before childbirth could help pregnant mothers avoid one of the more common surgeries performed on women in the United States, a new review suggests. 1/24

Older Drugs May Be Good Stopgap Treatment for Malaria in Africa

A combination of older malaria drugs could treat malaria efficiently in some parts of Africa until a newer antimalarial drug called is widely available in those areas, a new review of recent studies suggests. 1/24

Echinacea Does Not Prevent Colds, More Evidence Shows

The herbal supplement echinacea, when taken in certain forms, may help shorten the duration and severity of cold symptoms but is not effective for preventing the common cold, according to a systematic review of current evidence. 1/24

New Treatment for Bleeding Ulcers Reduces Surgery, Death Rates

The heartburn drugs Prilosec and Prevacid reduce the risk of bleeding, abdominal surgery and death when used to treat life-threatening peptic ulcers, according to an updated systematic review of data. 1/24

Machine Works Best for Treating Sleep Apnea, But Few Prefer It

A machine that delivers air through a nasal mask worn during sleep can reduce daytime sleepiness and other symptoms associated with sleep apnea, but apnea patients are not always happy with the treatment, according to two new reviews of recent studies. 1/24

Elderly With Alcoholism Receive Equal Heart Attack Care

Older Americans with alcohol problems do not get worse treatment than their sober peers when they are hospitalized for a heart attack, according to new research on Medicare patients across the country. 1/3

Media Messages May Reduce Secondhand Smoke in Homes

People who see news stories and advertisements about the dangers of secondhand smoke are more likely to feel that it is harmful, and may restrict smoking at home, according to new research published in the American Journal of Health Behavior. 12/31

Teen Daughters of Parents With HIV Have Higher Childbearing Rate

Adolescent daughters of parents with HIV in New York City have a high childbearing rate compared to those in the general U.S. population, a new study finds. 12/30

Retirees Who Leave Employer Wellness Programs Can Be Drawn Back In

Many employees drop out of employer wellness programs after they retire, but they might be coaxed to return with program features such as regular mailings and telephone nurse counseling, according to a new study of a program offered by the United Automobile Workers and the General Motors Corp. 12/30

Employers Missing Out on Best Financial Benefits of Preventive Care

Employers in the United States are increasingly offering preventive health care services as part of their employee benefits, and they say they are doing it because they want to save money on their workers. But employers are less likely to include services like nutrition and smoking counseling that would provide the most bang for the buck, a new report in the American Journal of Health Promotion concludes. 12/30

Behavior Change Can Help Seniors Sleep Without Drugs

A new study lays to rest the notion that sleepless seniors might respond poorly to treatments that emphasize behavioral therapy over drugs. 12/20

Speeding Blamed for Slow Progress in Cutting Traffic Fatalities

A new study suggests that speed is largely to blame for Americas slow progress in reducing its motor vehicle death toll during the 1990s. 12/20

Tooth Loss and Heart Disease Linked, Even Among Nonsmokers

There is a strong, progressive association between tooth loss and heart disease, researchers report in a study published in the latest issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 12/20

Sodium Intake Far Too High for Americans

Despite counseling by physicians, Americans still consume far too much sodium, putting them at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, according to a new study in the latest issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 12/20

Socioeconomic Status Doesn't Explain Racial Gap in Vaccine Rates

Elderly blacks and Hispanics are vaccinated against flu and pneumonia at levels 15 percent to 22 percent below whites, but the reason is not simply due to income, education or access to health care, two new studies reveal. 12/20

Arterial Leg Disease May Be More Common in Blacks

African-Americans are more likely to have problems with circulation in their legs due to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, according to a national study of more than 15,000 adults. 12/20

New Sleeping Pills Are Effective, But None Stands Out as the Best

The spate of new sleeping pills on the market are effective treatments for insomnia, but they have different effects and no one drug stands out as the best, according to a new review of studies on drugs including Sonata, Ambien and Lunesta. 12/09

Patients Who Trust Their Doctors More Have Better Outcomes

Patients with higher levels of trust in their regular physicians are more likely than patients with less trust to have better care, a new study finds. 12/09

Popularity Doesn't Necessarily Make Prozac Best Antidepressant Choice

Although Prozac has achieved phenomenal marketing success, it may not be as effective as certain other antidepressants, according to a recent systematic review. 12/06

Diet Advice Leads to Modest Drop in Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Giving people advice about healthy eating, even in small doses, appears to produce changes in diet that lead to modest improvements in some cardiovascular risk factors, according to a new systematic review of studies. 12/01

VA Takes Long View of Quality Diabetes Care

A new study offers doctors another barometer to gauge the quality of care they give patients with diabetes. The study researchers are proposing an evaluation of diabetes care that tracks providers success over time instead of at a single moment. 12/01

Epidural Leads to Less Pain, More Assisted Deliveries

Women who receive epidurals during labor report less pain than those who choose opiates or natural childbirth, according to a systematic review of evidence. 11/22

Chosen Spot on Social Ladder Predicts Health, British Researchers Find

How people view their own status in society predicts their health over time better than their real station in life, researchers report in a study of about 5,500 middle-aged British civil servants. 11/22

Spouse Caregivers of Alzheimers Patients Show Higher Risk of Gingivitis

Caregiver spouses of patients with Alzheimers disease develop gum disease at twice the rate of their non-caregiver counterparts, researchers report in the latest issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. 11/22

Worksite Health Programs Are Good Business Investment

Employers who invest in worksite health promotion plans can see a return of $3 to $6 for each dollar invested in the programs over a two- to five-year period, according to a new review published in the December issue of American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 11/18

Despite Vaccine, Tetanus Remains a Problem for Newborns in Remote Areas

With the target date for elimination of neonatal tetanus about to pass, it remains a major public health problem in remote areas of Africa and Asia, despite an international campaign to eliminate the often-fatal illness and despite having a vaccine that works. 11/15

Daily Weighing Helps People Lose Weight, Prevents Gain

People who are trying to either lose weight or avoid gaining do better by weighing themselves daily, according to a new study in the December issue of Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 11/15

Study Investigates Compassion as Pathway to Health

A new study has isolated compassion as a possible pathway through which religiosity leads to better health. The study builds on previous investigations that found religious people are healthier than people who are not religious. 11/15

Alcohol Biomarker Test Cuts Care Costs for Chronically Ill Patients

Adding a new alcohol biomarker test to patients revelations about their drinking habits could lower the cost of caring for patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure, a health economics analysis finds. 11/14

Anabolic Steroids Help People With HIV Gain Weight

People with HIV who are treated with anabolic steroids to prevent AIDS wasting may realize modest gains in weight and muscle mass, a new review shows. 11/10

Traction Not Beneficial for Low Back Pain, Studies Find

The use of traction to help treat low back pain has no benefit, despite its widespread use, a new review of studies has found. 11/10

No Good Evidence That Cholesterol Drugs Lower Melanoma Risk

No clear evidence exists that some widely-prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs can decrease the risk of melanoma, a deadly and malignant skin cancer, according to a new review of recent studies. 11/07

Minority Smokers Less Likely to Try Nicotine Patch, Gum

Hispanic and African-American smokers are less likely than white smokers to try nicotine replacement therapies when they want to quit smoking, according to a new study of men receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. 11/03

Researchers Unconvinced on Estrogen Therapy for Schizophrenia

Too little evidence exists to recommend or rule out estrogen as a treatment for schizophrenia in women, a new review of studies finds. 11/03

Psoriasis Sufferers Report More Social Problems, Which May Lead to Outbreaks

People with psoriasis perceive they have less social support, have difficulty expressing their feelings and have more trouble with social relationships than others, a new study shows. 10/31

HHS Secretary Calls for Pandemic Preparedness

Health and Human Services Secretary Michael O. Leavitt said Thursday preparedness plans for dealing with an avian flu pandemic will be useful in future emergencies even if there is not an immediate outbreak. The United States and the global health community are bracing for the possibility that the current strain of avian flu will transform into a virulent virus easily spread among humans. 10/27

Vitamin A Reduces Infant Deaths from Measles, Studies Confirm

Two megadoses of vitamin A reduce the risk of dying from measles for children under age 2, according to an updated review of studies. 10/27

Use of Air Pump Preferred Over Surgery for Treating Apnea, Studies Find

The use of a nighttime air pump is the preferred therapy for sleep apnea because of questions about the safety and effectiveness of surgery, according to a new review of previous studies. 10/27

Review Finds Ativan Best for Treating Severe Epilepsy

The drug Ativan is better than Valium or Dilantin for controlling severe epileptic seizures, according to a new review of studies. 10/27

Little Evidence Behind Bronchodilator Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis

Little evidence exists to support the widespread use of bronchodilators to treat children and adults with cystic fibrosis, according to a new systematic review of published research. 10/25

Testosterone Therapy Improves Sexual Function in Post-Menopausal Women

The addition of testosterone to hormone therapy in women after menopause enhances their sexual function. However, it may also reduce HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) in women, according to a systematic review of current evidence. 10/21

Exercise Improves Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Asthma

Although exercise can trigger asthma attacks in some people, a new review of studies has found that exercise improved cardiopulmonary fitness in people with asthma. 10/21

Local Anesthetics Are Effective for Neuropathic Pain

Lidocaine and similar local anesthetics are effective for treating pain that emanates from damaged nerves, according to a systematic review of current evidence. 10/21

Researchers Question Persistent Cough Treatments for Kids

Two new reviews of previous medical studies suggest that traditional medical treatment of persistent cough may not be the most effective. 10/21

Newest Study Finds No Link Between MMR Vaccine and Autism

A new systematic review of dozens of statistically sound studies has revealed no credible evidence that the combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine causes long-term disabilities such as autism or bowel disease. 10/18

Internet Can Aid People With Chronic Illness

Using the Internet to find and apply health information can help individuals with chronic diseases change their behavior and improve their conditions, a systematic review of studies shows. 10/18

Dual Therapy Works Best for Controlling Asthma

A combination of airway-opening drugs and inhaled inflammation-reducing steroids works better at preventing severe asthma attacks than a normal dose of steroids alone, according to a new review of recent studies. 10/18

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Eases Anxiety in Children and Adolescents

A form of psychotherapy that helps youngsters develop coping skills while they identify what is bothering them can ease anxiety for children and adolescents, according to a new review of studies. 10/18

Bed Rest for Hypertension in Pregnancy Not Backed by Strong Evidence

Routine recommendation of bed rest for pregnant women with hypertension is not strongly supported by the limited available research, according to a new systematic review of clinical studies. 10/18

Caesarean Delivery Reduces Mother-to-Child Transmission of AIDS

Planned Caesarian section is a safe and effective method for preventing transmission of HIV from mother to child during birth for women who are not using antiretroviral medications, according to a new systematic review of studies. 10/18

No Single Strategy Effective to Control Antibiotic Prescribing in Hospitals

Plenty of promising strategies exist to control antibiotic-prescribing practices, but no single method emerges as the best for hospital patients, according to a new review of studies. 10/18

Gargling May Prevent Colds, Study Says; Expert Finds Results Hard to Swallow

PDaily gargling with water appears to ward off colds among healthy people, Japanese researchers report in the November issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. But an American expert is throwing cold water on the study. 10/19

Improving Health of Homeless Requires Coordinated Care

Interventions providing coordinated treatment and support for homeless adults usually results in greater health improvements than does the prevailing sporadic and substandard care, according to a new review of studies. 10/19

Low-Income Neighborhoods Mean More Big Macs, British Study Finds

Big Macs abound where the increasingly obese poor abide, a new British survey indicates. 10/19

Phone Counseling, Nicotine Therapy Program Helps Smokers Quit

A free state-sponsored program in Maine that offers telephone counseling and access to nicotine patches or gum resulted in 15 percent of participants remaining smoke-free six months after enrolling, according to a new study. 10/19

Walking to Public Transit May Meet Daily Exercise Needs

Saving at the gasoline pump isnt the only benefit of taking public transportation. 10/19

AA Membership and Alcoholism Treatment Work Best if Started Together

People who join Alcoholics Anonymous at the same time they seek professional help for alcohol problems are more likely to be sober years later than those who initially seek only one or the other, according to a new report. 10/13

Doctors Don't Recommend Colorectal Screening Often Enough, Report Says

Since 1996, federal health officials have has recommended that people 50 years and older be screened for colorectal cancer with a fecal occult blood test. However, a new analysis of data shows that only 17.2 percent actually received such screening in the previous year. 10/11

ERs Becoming Less Likely to Lock Up Out-of-Control Patients

Results from a survey of U.S. emergency rooms suggest that hospitals are relying less on restraining agitated or violent patients in locked rooms to prevent self-injury or injury to hospital staff. 9/23

Do Bad Monograms Spell R.I.P.?

Monograms have no connection to mortality, according to a new study contradicting earlier evidence that having a bad monogram, such as PIG or ZIT, makes one likely to die at a younger age than someone blessed with initials such as ACE, WOW or JOY. 9/22

Heart Disease Patients Face Greater Risk of PTSD

Heart attack patients, and most likely those with other forms of heart disease, run an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, says a new research review done in Denmark and the Netherlands. 9/22

High Blood Pressure Has Stronger Effect on Mental Function in Blacks

Not only does high blood pressure adversely affect mental functioning, but the correlation appears to be stronger among African-Americans than among whites, researchers report in the current issue of Psychosomatic Medicine. 9/22

Job Stress May Be Related to Early Atherosclerosis in Men

Young men with high work demands and a lack of control over their job situation show signs of early atherosclerosis on imaging tests, according to a new study. The same was not true of young women in the study. 9/22

Panic Disorder Appears to Increase Risk of Coronary Heart Disease

Patients with panic disorder have nearly double the risk for coronary heart disease, and those also diagnosed with depression are at almost three times the risk, according to new research. 9/22

Cigarette Smoking Rates Much Higher for Low-Income African-Americans

A new study shows that the rate of smoking is higher among low-income African-Americans and that they are starting to smoke at younger ages than in the past. 9/20

Kids Journey to School Sets Pace for Activity All Day

Children who walk or bike to school are more active throughout the day than their schoolmates who travel to school by car, a new study finds. 9/20

National Advisory Committee Recommends Changes to Flu Shot Program

To avoid some of the confusion and missed opportunities that accompanied vaccination efforts during last years flu season, shots should be offered this year throughout the community and at every medical visit, according to new recommendations by the federal vaccine advisory committee. 9/20

Piercing Infection Outbreak Linked to Contaminated Antiseptic, Upper Ear Site

Public health researchers in Rochester, N.Y., found that a 2003 outbreak of severe infections in people who had upper-ear piercings was caused by the combination of contaminated antiseptic solution and the greater risk of piercing ear cartilage, which has a poor blood supply. 9/20

Teen Sex and Drug Use May Be Cause of Depression, Not the Effect

A new study is challenging the belief that young people begin sex and drug behaviors to self-medicate depression. 9/20

Researchers Find Few Head-to-Head Comparisons of Most ADHD Drugs

Parents seeking the best individual drug for their children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have little hard evidence to help make that choice. 9/15

Adolescents Exposed to Violence Face Future Health Risks

Teenagers exposed to violence show biological changes that could affect their physical and emotional health for years to come, according to a new study. 9/15

Patients Who Choose Own Depression Treatment Do Better

Patients who chose their own treatment for depression had better outcomes than patients whose treatment was determined by their physicians alone, a new study of veterans has found. 9/15

Key Areas of Brain Smaller in Alcoholic Teens

Regions of the brain involved in complex thinking and emotional control are smaller in teens who abuse alcohol than in those who do not, according to a new study in the September issue of Alcoholism2Clinical and Experimental Research. 9/14

Suicidal Substance Abusers Fare Better as Inpatients, Study Finds

Suicidal veterans who were treated for addictions as inpatients were significantly more likely to abstain from alcohol and drugs after six months than those who were treated as outpatients, according to a new study. 9/14

Government Official Says Bird Flu Spread "A Time Bomb Waiting to Go Off"

One of the government's top scientists said Monday that the spread of bird flu to the United States is a "time bomb waiting to go off" but that federal and industry efforts to produce a vaccine are progressing. 9/12