Asthma :: Fish oil can prevent airway constriction in asthma
Adding fish oil supplements to the diet can prevent the constriction of the airways brought on by exercise in asthmatics, a very common problem in this patient group, new research shows.
Supplements
Vitamin D :: Low vitamin D during pregnancy can leave child with weak bones
Children whose mothers are deficient in vitamin D during pregnancy may grow up with lower-than-normal bone mass, putting them at risk of osteoporosis-related fractures later in life, a study suggests.
Diet :: Barley Products to Claim Reduction in Risk of Coronary Heart Disease
As part of its continuing initiative to provide Americans with the information they need to make healthy nutritional choices about foods and dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced that whole grain barley and barley-containing products are allowed to claim that they reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
Eyes :: Carrots and spinach can cut macular degeneration risk
A diet with a high intake of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc is associated with a substantially reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly persons, according to a study in the December 28 issue of JAMA.
Vitamin D :: Vitamin D intake halves cancer risk
Vitamin D – known to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus – may also help in reducing cancer risk, a new study has found.
Exercise :: Rapid Weight Changes Found Risky for Young Athletes
Doctors should be aware of the health risks posed to teenage athletes who quickly slim down by forcing themselves to vomit or by avoiding fluids, or who bulk up by overeating, a report said.
Ovarian Cancer :: Ginkgo May Ward Off Ovarian Cancer
When Dr. Bin Ye of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and team, compared more than 600 women with ovarian cancer to 640 healthy controls, the investigators found that among the five most commonly used herbal supplements – ginkgo, echinacea, St. John’s Wort, ginseng, and chondroitin – only ginkgo was associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Skin Care :: Possible Hazards of Sunscreens, Sun Avoidance, or Both
When used generously and appropriately, sunscreen products and sun avoidance help reduce the severity of many aging skin disorders, including squamous cell cancers. There are certain concerns, however.
Renal Failure :: Chronic renal failure, Kidney failure
Chronic renal failure is a gradual and progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes.
Menopause :: Alternative therapies for managing menopausal symptoms
Deciding whether to use hormone therapy (HT) after menopause is a difficult decision many women face as they age. Research has shown that HT is very effective for relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis. However, there are also known health risks and uncertainties about long-term use. Recent research has demonstrated that long-term use of estrogen–either alone or in combination with progestin–results in more risks than benefits.