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The debate over Lyme disease

September 2, 2010

An inflammatory disease spread by ticks is causing controversy. A new study shows only six out of more than 200 doctors diagnosed and treated chronic lyme disease. Half of the physicians do not believe the disease is legitimate. Some doctors argue it is a true illness and should be diagnosed and treated. Others including the American Academy of Pediatrics say... more »
Boosting your brain

September 2, 2010

Challenging your brain won't prevent Alzheimer's disease but it may delay the on-set. Experts say if you're mentally active once symptoms show up, the decline is not as fast. Studies show reading, doing puzzles, even going to a museum several times a week, encourages the brain to continue to function. more »
Does it add up

September 1, 2010

A new tool is available to help small businesses owners find out if they qualify for tax credits, under the new federal health care law. Researchers at Georgia State University designed an online calculator which can be used by businesses and non-profits in any state. Under the law, small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time workers making less than $50,000... more »
Weight loss pill worries

September 1, 2010

Editors of the New England Journal of Medicine are asking tough questions about whether the diet pill Meridia should stay on the market, even if its restricted to people without heart disease. According to a study, the appetite suppressant increases the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart problems. Stronger warning labels have been added to the... more »
First Lady to visit La. for anti-obesity campaign

September 1, 2010

First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to join NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy in Louisiana next week to promote her "Let's Move!" campaign against childhood obesity. Obama's Sept. 8 visit to Brock Elementary School in Slidell will be held on the eve of the NFL's first game of the regular season, when the... more »
This won't hurt a bit

August 30, 2010

People who fear needles, may have another option to the flu shot. Researchers are testing a patch that has tiny micro-needles that dissolve into the skin. It takes 10 minutes for the vaccine to transfer from the patch into the body. Doctors say the patch dissolves quickly in the skin, releases the vaccine in a reliable way and generates a... more »
In moderation

August 30, 2010

Researchers say they're not sure what to make of heavy drinkers outliving people who don't drink at all. Even after separating nearly all imaginable variables over a 20 year period. Researchers in Texas found mortality rates were highest for those who had never been drinkers, followed by heavy drinkers, and lowest for moderate drinkers. more »
Diabetes now Vietnam vets' top Agent Orange claim

August 30, 2010

Vietnam veterans may soon get disability compensation for heart disease because of concerns about the defoliant Agent Orange. The Department of Veterans Affairs said Monday it will add heart disease, Parkinson's disease and certain types of leukemia to the list of conditions veterans can claim is tied to Agent Orange. That list is topped by diabetes. The... more »
Sweet dreams

August 27, 2010

If you're having trouble getting your children to sleep in their own beds, parenting experts say spending time with them beforehand, will help them sleep better. You may also want to read to them or have a sleep party with them in their bed for a few nights. That gives them the security of your company with the comfort of... more »
Bed bugs bite

August 27, 2010

You've probably heard how bed bugs are making a comeback. Pesky for sure, but they probably won't make you sick. Doctors say bed bugs don't carry disease. Their infestations often go unnoticed until they bite you during the night, sometimes waking you up. Experts say to get rid of them, you'll need the help of professional exterminator. more »
Recession may have pushed U.S. birth rate to new low

August 27, 2010

The U.S. birth rate has dropped for the second year in a row, and experts think the recession is a big reason. They believe the sluggish economy has led many people to put off having children. Births last year totaled a little over 4.1 million, down almost 2.7 percent from 2008. And the birth rate is the... more »
Medical relief events to mark Katrina anniversary

August 26, 2010

Free medical, vision, and dental services will be provided for residents in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes this weekend. The free services will be available Friday through Sunday, beginning at 6 a.m. each day at the Taylor Center/Park in New Orleans. The services being offered during the three-day event will cover dental cleanings and extractions, eye exams with... more »
Teens and texting

August 24, 2010

You can add "texting" to the list of addictions many teens face. Experts say the rate of texting has sky-rocketed 600 percent in three years. Doctors say texting and the instant gratification of getting a text back , floods the brain's pleasure center, with the mood enhancing chemical, dopamine. Teens also are more likely to wake up in the middle... more »
Stem-cell research showdown

August 24, 2010

The Obama administration will appeal a federal court's decision to temporarily ban federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research. The court says research involved the destruction of embryos. Some scientists have federal funding. Those studies can continue but new research is halted. The White House says President Obama believes stem-cell research is life-saving work. The funding was challenged by a coalition... more »
Sleep tight

August 23, 2010

Many parents are fighting to get youngsters to bed at a descent hour now that school is back in. Experts say try to keep the kids on the same schedule for a week or two. The amount of sleep your child needs, varies according to age. Between kindergarten and sixth grade a child needs 10 to 11 hours. Older than... more »

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