Source: ABC15.com Despite the national awareness campaigns for diabetes, a new survey shows Americans aren’t paying attention and could cross the diabetic line without even recognizing a risk factor. According to a recent Consumer Reports study, Americans know their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers, but when it comes to blood sugar levels...

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  New methods mean women must weigh decision. Puzzled by the onslaught of advertising that touts pregnancyprevention along with bonuses like clearer skin and a period-free lifestyle, Jennifer Meyer balked at a birth control pill that would reduce her monthly cycles to just four per year. "It's just not something we should s...

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Source: MedWire News The impact of statins on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels is unrelated to their effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations, a meta-analysis of over 30,000 patients suggests. LDL cholesterol decreases are implicated in the cardiovascular risk reductions that accompany statin treatment but mounting evidence s...

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Complementary remedies claiming to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) can be dangerous, misleading and contain unspecified chemical ingredients, the United Kingdom drugs regulator has warned. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said patients were taking "major risks" by taking herbal remedies for ED and has urged patients...

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A new web-based tool could help doctors better predict those more likely to suffer a second stroke. Studies suggest that people who have a second stroke soon after a first stroke are more likely to die or have a severe disability. "We currently don't have a well-developed tool for predicting short-term risk of early recurrent stroke, so this tool...

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The Wall Street Journal (12/16, Dooren) reports that in a 12-4 vote, an FDA panel recommended expanded use of AstraZeneca PLC's cholesterol drug Crestor (rosuvastatin). In a company-sponsored study of 18,000 patients, researchers found 44 percent fewer heart problems among patients taking Crestor.         Ast...

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Source: MedWire News Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that high intake of normal and decaffeinated coffee and tea may lower the risk for Type 2 diabetes. Rachel Huxley (University of Sydney, Australia) and colleagues evaluated data from 18 studies comprising 457,922 participants and assessed the relationship between co...

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Even though it is the best way to avoid getting sick and spreading illness to other people, most people don’t wash their hands as often as they should.  Approximately one out of three Americans skips handwashing after going to the bathroom and only 30 percent of people who have coughed or sneezed into their hands wash their hands afterwards. ...

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