An effective contraceptive for men would make a welcome new family planning option. Researchers report that male rats given an experimental new treatment became infertile within four weeks, and that the effect was reversible. The accomplishment might lead researchers to a safe and effective contraceptive for men.
A healthful diet and exercise are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout the life cycle according to an updated ADA position statement published this month:
In the wake of evidence that indicates sterol esters and plant stanol esters may reduce a person?s risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels, researchers at the University of California ? Davis say consuming ?phytosterol-enriched? cocoa-flavored snack bars as part of a balanced diet can help manage cholesterol.
Offering free school breakfasts to all elementary school students regardless of income increases the likelihood that the children will consume a nutritionally sound breakfast, according to researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Abt Associates, Inc.
Billed as a lifesaver for families who crave the comfort of a sit-down dinner but lack the time to prepare it, meal assembly is a hot trend designed to make family meals easier. And with many stores employing, contracting and selling franchises to registered dietitians, customers can dish up knowing nutrition is on the menu.
This week’s New England Journal of Medicine reported that annual chest computed tomography (CT) scans on those at risk for lung cancer can detect it earlier, at a more treatable stage. In the study, more than 31,000 people in the United States and overseas underwent spiral CT scans of their chests at the beginning and again in seven to 18 months unless something was detected on the first scan.
An observational study of about 82,000 males and females in Sweden found a lower risk of pancreatic cancer in subjects with a high intake of folate-rich foods — green, leafy vegetables; cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage; oranges; legumes and whole grains.
It’s flu season, but it may not be the best time to schedule your child’s flu shot, according to one Penn State physician and researcher. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center pediatrician Ian M. Paul recently studied vaccination records of two high-risk pediatric groups — infants less than age 2 years and children with asthma — and found that year-round scheduling of flu shot appointments contributes significantly to better vaccination rates.
Bringing hope to hundreds of children in one of the countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS, the Abbott Fund, Baylor College of Medicine and the Government of Malawi have joined forces to build the country’s first pediatric HIV clinic. The First Lady of Malawi, Madame Ethel Zvauya Mutharika and other dignitaries at Kamuzu Central Hospital officially opened the new clinic today in the city of Lilongwe.
Governor Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Pfizer Inc today announced the formation of Balance It Out: Arkansas, a new school-based community program to reduce the number of children who are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, effectively diminishing their risk of developing chronic illness. In December 2006, the program will begin in Little Rock, AR, with a health fair for state employees designed to increase awareness of health risk factors and steps to prevent disease. Beginning in early 2007, the program will reach children and their families in the Dollarway (Pine Bluff), Harrison and Paragould school districts.