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Friday, February 01, 2013

Shots - Health News

Quick TB Test Builds Up Arsenal Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

A medical worker in Carletonville, South Africa, examines a sample at a mobile testing facility for tuberculosis.

February 1, 2013 Drug-resistant tuberculosis is on the rise worldwide, but identifying the disease has been difficult and time-consuming. Touted as a "game changer" in the fight against TB, a new tool cuts diagnostic times from weeks to hours and doesn't require a lab.

Summary

Shots - Health News

Novartis Recalls Triaminic And Theraflu Cough Syrups

Triaminic syrups and Theraflu Warming Relief syrups have been recalled by manufacturer Novartis.

February 1, 2013 Triaminic and Theraflu syrups and "warming liquids," the products implicated in the latest recall announcement, contain acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. But kids were able to open the childproof caps on the products, presenting a risk of poisoning.

Summary

Shots - Health News

White House Tries Again To Find Compromise On Contraception

birth control pills

February 1, 2013 Under the proposed rule, employees at nonprofit religious organizations would get access to no-cost contraception, but their employer wouldn't pay for the coverage. The move is another attempt to provide contraceptive coverage without violating the beliefs of religious nonprofits.

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Shots - Health News

Are NFL Football Hits Getting Harder And More Dangerous?

Promo image for NFL hits Shots post.

February 1, 2013 In the early days of the NFL, the average lineman weighed 190 pounds. Now they average 300 pounds. A look at the physics behind a tackle shows that bigger and faster players means harder slams to the turf and more severe injuries.

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The Two-Way

Obama Administration Issues Proposal On Birth Control Coverage

February 1, 2013 Some organizations have objected to the health care overhaul's rules, saying they violate religious freedom.

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Shots - Health News

Lesson Learned: A Curb On Drugmakers' Gifts To Medical Students

A package of microwave popcorn promoting Johnson & Johnson's antipsychotic drug Invega back in 2008 would have been a no-no at many medical schools.

February 1, 2013 Most medical schools have cut down on students' interactions with the pharmaceutical industry by instituting gift restriction policies. These policies can reduce the prescribing of newly marketed drugs in favor of cheaper options.

Summary

Thursday, January 31, 2013

Shots - Health News

Salmonella Undermines Hedgehogs' Cuteness Overload

We have no reason to think this little guy isn't clean as a whistle, but some hedgehogs carry salmonella.

January 31, 2013 There have been 20 reports of human salmonella infections linked to pet hedgehogs recently. Public health officials say people should keep the animals away from areas where food is prepared and served.

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Shots - Health News

Should Medicare Pay For Alzheimer's Scans?

The loss of contrast between gray and white matter in this brain scan indicates a high uptake of Amyvid and the presence of amyloid plaques.

January 31, 2013 A drug used in brain scans to help doctors detect clumps of protein associated with Alzheimer's disease was approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year. Now Medicare officials are weighing whether to cover it.

Summary

The Salt

Oh, Baby: Squeezable Snacks Might Be Tough On The Teeth

Squeeze me with caution.

January 31, 2013 Those cute little foil pouches of organic food for toddlers may pose hidden dangers for new teeth and developing mouths. But they may not be any more of a risk than the frequent use of sippy cups and bottles, dentists say.

Summary

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Shots - Health News

Why Some Families Won't Qualify For Subsidized Health Insurance

Health insurance form.

January 30, 2013 KHNUnder the health care overhaul, many people who find their job-based health coverage too expensive can get help buying insurance through exchanges. But rules just finalized by the Internal Revenue Service will limit who is eligible for a subsidy and could leave some families shut out.

Summary

Shots - Health News

Gut Microbes May Play Deadly Role In Malnutrition

Twins in Malawi helped scientists discover a role the gut microbiome appears to play in severe malnutrition.

January 30, 2013 The bacteria that live in humans' guts influence weight gain and health. By studying twins in Malawi, scientists have found that changes in this microbial community may also turn malnutrition into a fatal condition.

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Shots - Health News

Bellevue Hospital's Slow Comeback After Superstorm Sandy

When Superstorm Sandy came ashore, Bellevue Hospital was quickly submerged. Inspectors from the Federal Emergency Management Agency marked the flood line in the basement with orange tape or spray paint. In some areas, water was 14 feet deep.

January 30, 2013 WNYCRepairs to the New York City hospital are expected to allow a full reopening in early February. Engineers have been working around the clock to make everything is ready. Bellevue hasn't been able to care for trauma patients since the storm. That has put a strain on neighboring hospitals.

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Shots - Health News

Did Penicillin, Rather Than The Pill, Usher In Age Of Love?

Would Woodstock have happened without penicillin?

January 30, 2013 Before penicillin was found to be effective against syphilis during World War II, sex brought with it the risk of syphilis, an disease that can cause blindness, dementia and paralysis. An economist argues that treatment was a key factor in the sexual revolution.

Summary

The Salt

To Maximize Weight Loss, Eat Early in The Day, Not Late

Front-loading your calories may help you lose weight.

January 30, 2013 In a Spanish study, overweight people who ate most of their calories before 3 p.m. lost significantly more weight than their counterparts who were nighttime eaters. So watch those calorific midnight snacks.

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