Health Watch

New Research: HIV vaccine progress

In April, a detailed analysis of specimens from the first HIV vaccine clinical trial to show a modest protective effect yielded important clues about how the vaccine might have worked. These clues suggest directions for improving upon the original vaccine regimen to confer a broader, more potent and longer-lasting effect. The original vaccine regimen was tested among 16,000 adult volunteers in Thailand in a trial co-funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

-- National Institutes of Health

Did You Know?

Essential for lifelong bone health, most women don't get enough calcium. Get more by eating three daily servings of low-fat dairy. – EatRight.org

Health Tip: Get into yoga

The combination of deep breathing, thoughtful movements and melodic music in yoga can change your mood in seconds and help relieve pent up stress. If you are new to yoga, try out a beginner class and ease into the poses. There is no perfection in yoga, only progress. Yoga is the perfect complement to any other form of exercise or as your mind/body therapy for the week.

-- Life Fitness

Number to Know

1.7 million: According to the World Health Organization, 1.7 million children under the age of 5 died from vaccine-preventable diseases in 2008.

Children’s Health: Dangerous binkies?

Almost all infants and toddlers use bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups for supplying nutrition, comfort and convenience, but are these products always as safe as parents think? A recent study revealed that, in the U.S., 45,398 children under age 3 were treated in the hospital emergency department between 1991 and 2010 –– or approximately one child every 4 hours –– for an injury caused by a bottle, pacifier or sippy cup. Most injuries (86 percent) occurred from falls while using the products, and 83 percent of falls resulted in lacerations or contusions to the mouth and face.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Boomer Health: Dog food recall

Walking your dog may keep you healthy, but dog food contaminated with a rare strain of salmonella has made 16 people sick in nine states, five of which were hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed the culprit: Diamond Pet Foods and its various brands, made in a South Carolina plant. The CDC says handling the dog food is what caused illnesses, and owners should check their brand of dog food to see if it matches, and return it if it was manufactured between Dec. 9, 2011 and April 7.

-- AARP

Do you remember swinging from a tree branch or pulling up on the monkey bars when you were younger? Those were variations of suspension training, a form of fitness that's becoming more popular.

Suspension training involves an apparatus made of nylon straps and handles that you can attach to a sturdy anchor in your home like a door jam. You then use your body weight as the resistance to perform exercises that build strength, core stability, flexibility and balance.

If you are new to suspension training, you should start slowly and seek out help from a trainer if necessary.

Indoors and out. The beauty of suspension training is the portability. You can take it to the park, the beach or even your own backyard. It's versatile enough to throw over a sturdy structure like a tree branch.

Getting started. You want the sturdy anchor point to be approximately 7 to 9 feet off the ground. Then, by adjusting the length of the handles and the angle of your body, you can make exercises easier or harder.

Fast and effective. Most exercises involve pushing, pulling, legs and core. You are forced to use different muscle groups, and you'll get your heart rate up when performing exercises one after the other with little rest in between.

-- Life Fitness

New Research: Chromosomes linked to cancer

Two new studies have found that large structural abnormalities in chromosomes, some of which have been associated with increased risk of cancer, can be detected in a small fraction of people without a prior history of cancer. The studies found that these alterations in chromosomes appear to increase with age, particularly after the age of 50, and may be associated with an increased risk for cancer.

-- National Institutes of Health

Did You Know?

Gas grills bring a higher safety risk than charcoal grills, having been involved in an annual average of 6,900 home fires from 2005 to 2009. – NFPA.org

Health Tip: Intensify your workout

You must challenge your body in order to get results. If you want to see improvement in your strength training and cardio endurance, you will have to boost weight, reps and intensity levels. Small changes can make a big difference in your results and can help you overcome plateaus.

-- Life Fitness

Number to Know

7: Of every 100 hospitalized patients, at least seven in developed countries and 10 in developing countries will acquire health care-associated infections. In intensive care units, that figure rises to around 30 percent.

-- World Health Organization

Children’s Health: Beware of bites

Every year, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14. Use these tips to help protect children from an encounter with canine teeth:

- Pick a good match. Collies and Labrador retrievers are some of the animals recommended as generally safe with children. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.

- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.

- Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and beast. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.

- Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.

- Neuter your dog because they are then less likely to bite.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Senior Health: Did your doctor provide these services?

A new survey from the John H. Hartford Foundation finds that 52 percent of Americans 65 and older have not received all seven recommended services from their doctor that would support "healthy aging." Among the seven services are an annual medication review; a falls risk assessment and history; depression screening; referral to community-based health resources; and a discussion of a patient's ability to perform routine daily tasks and activities.

-- AARP

Every year, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14.

If you're threatened by a dog, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still until the dog leaves or back away slowly. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands. If a dog bites your child, clean small wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention for larger wounds. Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records.

Use these tips to help protect children from an encounter with canine teeth:

- Pick a good match. Collies and Labrador retrievers are some of the animals recommended as generally safe with children. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.

- Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations.

- Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and beast. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.

- Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.

- Neuter your dog because they are then less likely to bite.

- Tell your child not to run past a dog.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

New Research: Preterm babies

Each year, 1 million preterm babies around the world die shortly after birth; countless others suffer some type of lifelong physical, neurological or educational disability, often at great cost to families and society.

-- World Health Organization

Did You Know?

Asthma affects more than 230 million people worldwide, including more than 25 million people in the United States. There is no way to prevent or cure asthma. – NIH.gov

Health Tip: No excuses

Fitness professionals have heard every excuse in the book for why clients can't attend their exercise sessions. When you are your own trainer, disciplining yourself can be difficult. Take time to journal all of the excuses that could sabotage your workout, then add positive solutions for each negative excuse you are likely to use.

-- Life Fitness

Number to Know

50: More than 50 research studies worldwide have found that certain types of news coverage can increase the likelihood of suicide in vulnerable individuals. The magnitude of the increase is related to the amount, duration and prominence of coverage.

-- ReportingOnSuicide.org

Children’s Health: Fast-food ads linked to obesity

New research shows that greater familiarity with fast-food restaurant advertising on television is associated with obesity in young people. Study results showed the percentage of youths who were obese was significantly higher among those who recognized more fast-food ads than those who recognized few ads (17 percent compared with 8.3 percent).

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Senior Health: Chocolate linked to weight loss?

A recent study that received a lot of media attention says people who eat chocolate several times a week tend to weigh less. But the AARP warns the study could be over simplifying the issue, and consumers still need to use common sense when it comes to chocolate. Some problems with the study, they say, is the researchers didn't ask how much chocolate people were consuming or about other factors that may contribute to weight gain or loss, like smoking or certain medications.

-- GateHouse News Service

Shoes that do not fit properly can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these guidelines to help parents find shoes that fit properly:

* Have your child's feet measured every 2 to 3 months until toddler years, then every 3 to 4 months after that.  

* Feet are seldom precisely the same size. Always buy for the larger foot.

* Do not buy shoes that need "breaking in." Shoes should be comfortable from the beginning. Observe your child walking around in both shoes for longer than a few minutes. Then, check each foot to make certain there are no irritation marks.  

* Make sure the shoe is not too heavy. A heavy shoe can make your child walk irregularly, preventing the development of a normal walking pattern.

* If a child complains of foot pain or discomfort, schedule a check-up with your local podiatrist who specializes in children's foot care.

The upper part of the shoe should be made of breathable materials such as leather, rather than synthetic materials. The insoles should be cushioned for comfort.

Typically, the younger the child, the thinner and more flexible the soles should be. It should bend with your child's toes - where the ball of the foot will be, rather than in the middle of the shoe.

-- Family Features

New Research: Decrease in injury-related deaths

Death rates from unintentional injuries among children and adolescents from birth to age 19 declined by nearly 30 percent from 2000 to 2009. However, suffocation rates are on the rise, with a 54 percent increase in reported suffocation among infants less than 1. Poisoning death rates also increased, with a 91 percent increase among teens aged 15-19, largely due to prescription drug overdose.

-- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Did You Know?

About 1 in 1,000 people have a bleeding disorder. However, 75 percent receive inadequate treatment, no treatment or treatment that doesn’t work. -- CDC

Health Tip: Make a vision board

Chances are you have a few pictures of yourself that show off your best shape or your athletic prowess. Use those photos to create a vision board that motivates you to keep your commitment to the gym and exercise. You can use a bulletin board, whiteboard or "pin" it to your fitness board on Pinterest. Find some empowering quotes, too, use your fitness vision board to remind you of how you want to see yourself.

-- Life Fitness

Number to Know

2050: By 2050, the number of people affected by dementia is likely to rise to more than 70 percent. Worldwide, nearly 35.6 million people live with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2030.

— World Health Organization

Children’s Health: Social stressors put girls at risk

Researchers found that girls who experienced more than one social stressor –– maternal depressive symptoms, maternal substance use, intimate partner violence, housing insecurity, food insecurity or paternal incarceration ––were at increased risk of being obese by age 5. Girls with more than two stressors were at an even higher risk of becoming obese. No significant associations were noted among boys. Study authors suggest obesity prevention efforts may be more effective if they address these issues.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Senior Health: Older people sleep better

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine conducted the world’s largest study of sleep quality and health, and they found that the older you are, the better you sleep. In fact, the study analyzed participants from 18 and older, and those in their 80s often had the fewest complaints of all.

-- AARP.org 

GateHouse News Service

Dirt is a four-letter word to many moms, but letting your kids get dirty is actually good for them, according to a new report from the National Wildlife Federation, "The Dirt on Dirt: How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids."

But here's a dirty little secret: Children who spend the better part of their free time in the company of their sterile hi-tech gadgets rather than playing outside are more vulnerable to obesity, ADHD, vitamin D deficiency and depression.

There's a growing body of research that suggests overprotecting kids from dirt and germs may actually inhibit their physical health and resilience.

* Children's stress levels fall within minutes of seeing green spaces, according to a 2004 study in the American Journal of Public Health.

* When children are exposed to germs and pathogens during infancy, their risk of cardiovascular inflammation in adulthood is reduced, according to a 2010 Northwestern University study.

* A friendly bacteria found in soil helps produce serotonin, which enhances feelings of well-being, much the same way that antidepressant drugs and exercise do, according to a 2007 Bristol University study.

While common-sense sanitation practices like washing hands and using hand sanitizer when necessary shouldn't stop, you'll be doing your children a favor if you encourage them to go outside and get dirty.

-- Family Features
 

According to the American Public Health Association, nearly 1 million Americans die each year from diseases that can be prevented by living a healthier lifestyle.

Each April, APHA celebrates National Public Health Week to spread the word about good health, encouraging both communities and individuals to take an active approach toward healthier living.

Here things to do that can lead to healthy changes in your life and town:

* Check out the MyPlate recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture at www.choosemyplate.org to help plan your meals with proper proportions.

* Talk with local elected leaders about including sidewalks, bike lanes and farmers markets in your community.

* Get at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week.

* Wash your hands frequently.

* Advocate for smoke-free policies in your community and workplace.

* Talk with your employer about providing paid sick days to prevent the spread of communicable diseases

* Advocate to get comprehensive reproductive and sexual health education in your communities.

* Advocate for mental health awareness and programs within your community's schools, businesses and community centers.

* Learn to recognize the symptoms of mental health issues, such as depression.

-- Family Features

New Research: Arsenic turns stem cells cancerous

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered how exposure to arsenic can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells and spur tumor growth. Inorganic arsenic, which affects the drinking water of millions of people worldwide, has been previously shown to be a human carcinogen. A growing body of evidence suggests that cancer is a stem-cell based disease.

-- National Institutes of Health

Did You Know?

Autism spectrum disorders are almost five times more common among boys than girls –– with 1 in 54 boys being identified as autistic. -- CDC

Health Tip: Overcoming a plateau

If you've reached a plateau in your fitness results, it may be a signal to do something different. If you are a treadmill junkie, try an elliptical machine. Adding strength moves to your normal cardio routine could help shake things up, too. Try adding a boot camp or another class to your routine. New movements may jump start your calorie burn again.

-- Life Fitness

Number to Know

210: On a state-by-state basis, the number of children identified as having an autism spectrum disorder ranged from 1 in 210 children in Alabama to 1 in 47 children in Utah.  The largest increases were among Hispanic and black children. -- CDC

Children’s Health: Link between obesity, autism

For the first time, researchers report a strong link between pregnant mothers with diabetes, obesity or hypertension and children with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delays. In a recent study, obese mothers had 1.6 times the chance of having a child with autism and were more than twice as likely to have a child with another developmental disorder. Mothers with diabetes were 2.3 times more likely to have a child with developmental delays.

-- American Academy of Pediatrics

Senior Health: Baking soda and breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Arizona have received a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct further studies into how baking soda may help to stop breast cancer tumors from spreading.

"There is outstanding evidence that baking soda treatments reduce tumor growth and eliminate metastases, but the evidence is limited to mice,” said Mark Pagel, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Arizona.

-- AARP