Health News for September 23, 2008

Pressure to look good turning more and more men anorexic
While anorexia has been seen as a womens disease for long, eating disorder experts are now reporting a rise in the number of male sufferers. ANI

Opioid painkillers can significantly reduce workers low back pain
A new study has suggested opioid pain medications for workers with chronic low back pain, for it can significantly improve their ability to lift and perform other work-related physical tasks. ANI

Potential therapeutic target for treatment-resistant breast cancer identified
Researchers from Wyeths Department of Discovery Translational Medicine have identified a potential therapeutic target for the treatment resistant breast cancer. ANI

Exposure to environmental allergens tied to chronic laryngitis
Daily exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, allergens, and air pollution might be tied to chronic cases of laryngitis, say researchers. ANI

Passive smoke can put women at increased peripheral artery disease risk
Passive smoke can put women at an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease (PAD), according to a Chinese study. ANI

Whole brain radiation ups cancer patients learning, memory problems risk
A new research has found that cancer patients who receive stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for the treatment of metastatic brain tumours have more than twice the risk of developing learning and memory problems than those treated with SRS alone. ANI

Discovery of new immunity mechanism may lead to better pneumococcal vaccine
Researchers at Childrens Hospital Boston and Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) have identified a new, previously unknown mechanism of immunity - a discovery, which suggests that there may be a better way to protect vulnerable children and adults against Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) infection. ANI

New approach holds promise for cystic fibrosis lung infection cure
Researchers from the University of Calgary have suggested a new approach that may help in treating severe lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). ANI

Calorie restricted diet doesnt cause bone loss in overweight adults
A calorie-restricted diet does not appear to induce bone loss in young, overweight adults, according to a report in the September 22 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. ANI

Music may bring back lost memories in dementia sufferers
Music can prove to be a saviour for dementia patients, who have lost the ability to interact with their partner due to memory loss, according to Australian researchers. ANI

Phone psychotherapy works better than office visits for the depressed
A psychotherapy session on the phone may be a far better way of treating depressed patients than office visits, suggests a new study. ANI

Iron-moving malfunction linked to Alzheimers, Parkinsons and ageing
University of Michigan researchers say that irregularities in the movement of iron in cells may underlie a disease known as Type IV mucolipidosis (ML4), the symptoms of which may include mental retardation, poor vision and diminished motor abilities. ANI

Bedbug organ find may hold hope for malaria cure
A researcher from the University of Sheffield has found a unique organ on female bedbugs that could help in the battle against malaria. ANI

Healthy blood vessels key to checking fat growth
A research team including an Indian origin researcher from Indiana University School of Medicine has found that cells lining blood vessels may be crucial in controlling the development of fat cells. ANI

How aspirin prevents atherosclerosis
Aspirin has been shown to prevent atherosclerosis, however, the mechanisms of action have remain a mystery. Now, a research team led by an Indian origin scientist has uncovered the system that prevents plaque build-up in arteries. ANI

Acupuncture as good as drug therapy to reduce breast cancer treatment side effects
A new study has found that acupuncture is as effective and longer-lasting in managing the common debilitating side effects of hot flashes, night sweats, and excessive sweating associated with breast cancer treatment and has no treatment side effects compared to conventional drug therapy. ANI

Women, South Asians with angina have higher mortality rates
A new study by UK researchers has shown that women and South Asian people with typical pain were more likely than those with atypical pain to receive a diagnosis of angina pectoris and to have increased mortality rates or acute coronary complications. ANI

Being fat can cost men their fertility
Being chubby may reduce a mans chances of becoming a father, because fat zaps their sex hormones, according to a new study. ANI

A handful of pistachios a day keep heart disease at bay
A handful of pistachio nuts a day can reduce your chances of developing heart disease, according to a team of American researchers. ANI

Turmeric helps reduce size of hemorrhagic stroke
Turmeric, the active ingredient of the Indian curry spice, may help reduce the size of a hemorrhagic stroke, say a group of researchers. ANI

Active compounds behind pre-germinated rices health effects identified
American scientists have uncovered the active compounds that are key to the health benefits of pre-germinated brown rice. ANI

Exercise may help pregnant women kick the butt
Physical exercise can help pregnant women quit smoking, says a new study in the open access journal BMC Public Health. moking during pregnancy often leads to lower birth weight, higher infant mortality, and is linked to learning difficulties, problem behaviour and asthma in childhood. ANI