NPR Topics: Your Health http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1066&ft=1&f=1066 News and commentary about personal health, medicine, healthcare, drugs, diet, recipes, and nutrition. Download the Your Health podcast and subscribe to our RSS feed. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Your Health http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1066&ft=1&f=1066 yes Nuclear Radiation Worries? There's A Pill For That Fear turns out be a very good thing for certain businesses. When North Korea or Iran mentions the word "nuclear," orders pour in to NukePills.com — a Web site that sells potassium iodide. The government also stockpiles this FDA-approved drug. Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120751935&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120751935&ft=1&f=1066 Fear turns out be a very good thing for certain businesses. When North Korea or Iran mentions the word "nuclear," orders pour in to NukePills.com — a Web site that sells potassium iodide. The government also stockpiles this FDA-approved drug. 227 no Fear turns out be a very good thing for certain businesses. When North Korea or Iran mentions the word "nuclear," orders pour in to NukePills.com — a Web site that sells potassium iodide. The government also stockpiles this FDA-approved drug.

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]]> How To Make Trucks Safer On Highways Last year, over 4,000 people died as a result of truck related accidents. As part of NPR's series, <em>On The Road To Safety,</em> guests look at what's being done to make big rig driving on the long haul safer for truck drivers and for motorists. Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120833750&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120833750&ft=1&f=1066 Last year, over 4,000 people died as a result of truck related accidents. As part of NPR's series, <em>On The Road To Safety,</em> guests look at what's being done to make big rig driving on the long haul safer for truck drivers and for motorists. 1818 no Last year, over 4,000 people died as a result of truck related accidents. As part of NPR's series, On The Road To Safety, guests look at what's being done to make big rig driving on the long haul safer for truck drivers and for motorists.

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]]> Letters: More on Mammography Guidelines Constance Lehman, medical director of radiology and director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, explains what new the recommendations for routine mammograms could mean for women who do not know their risk for developing breast cancer. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120769724&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120769724&ft=1&f=1066 Constance Lehman, medical director of radiology and director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, explains what new the recommendations for routine mammograms could mean for women who do not know their risk for developing breast cancer. 372 no Constance Lehman, medical director of radiology and director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, explains what new the recommendations for routine mammograms could mean for women who do not know their risk for developing breast cancer.

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]]> 'Dr. Queue' Helps You Avoid Rage In Line Each December, there are stories of holiday shoppers fighting over bargains and getting violent in parking lots. MIT Professor Dick Larson, also known as "Dr. Queue," talks about the psychology of waiting in line, and how to avoid "queue rage" this holiday season. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120769732&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120769732&ft=1&f=1066 Each December, there are stories of holiday shoppers fighting over bargains and getting violent in parking lots. MIT Professor Dick Larson, also known as "Dr. Queue," talks about the psychology of waiting in line, and how to avoid "queue rage" this holiday season. 1037 no Each December, there are stories of holiday shoppers fighting over bargains and getting violent in parking lots. MIT Professor Dick Larson, also known as "Dr. Queue," talks about the psychology of waiting in line, and how to avoid "queue rage" this holiday season.

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]]> When Your Boss Wants Your DNA The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120587756&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120587756&ft=1&f=1066 The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information. 219 no The University of Akron said it could ask new workers for a DNA sample to run background checks. But an anti-discrimination law that went into full effect Nov. 21 prevents employers from requiring workers to share genetic information.

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]]> Genetic Testing Reveals Devastating Illness Journalist Charles Sabine watched his father die from the degenerative illness Huntington's disease. After watching his brother struggle with the disease for years, Sabine decided to be tested. "Nothing that I've experienced compares with that test in terms of the terror that it inflicted on me," he says. Sabine says his young daughter does not have the Huntington's gene. Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120610850&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120610850&ft=1&f=1066 Journalist Charles Sabine watched his father die from the degenerative illness Huntington's disease. After watching his brother struggle with the disease for years, Sabine decided to be tested. "Nothing that I've experienced compares with that test in terms of the terror that it inflicted on me," he says. Sabine says his young daughter does not have the Huntington's gene. 318 no Journalist Charles Sabine watched his father die from the degenerative illness Huntington's disease. After watching his brother struggle with the disease for years, Sabine decided to be tested. "Nothing that I've experienced compares with that test in terms of the terror that it inflicted on me," he says. Sabine says his young daughter does not have the Huntington's gene.

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]]> Breast Cancer Guidelines' Impact On Black Women White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120652943&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120652943&ft=1&f=1066 White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women. 214 no White women have higher breast cancer rates overall, but black women get the disease more often before age 40. They also tend to have more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates. That concerns Dr. Marisa Weiss, a Philadelphia oncologist. She tells host Guy Raz how the breast screening recommendations released this week by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force could have an especially rough impact on black women.

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]]> A Week Of Changes For Women's Health For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646686&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646686&ft=1&f=1066 For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it. 225 no For the second time in a week, a panel of medical experts has recommended that younger women be tested less frequently for cancer. The latest advice is that women can wait until 21 to have their first Pap test for cervical cancer. Many women can skip annual Pap smears after that. The guidance comes after another recommendation earlier this week that routine mammograms needn't start until age 50. NPR digital health correspondent Scott Hensley has been following the changes and joins host Scott Simon to talk about it.

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]]> Overlooked In The Rush To Digitize Medical Records The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646690&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120646690&ft=1&f=1066 The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls. 350 no The administration has made $45 billion available for doctors and hospital across the country to digitize medical records. This money, part of the government's stimulus plan, promises what amounts to a gold rush for major technology firms, who have begun competing to win those accounts. But Fred Schulte, senior reporter for the Huffington Post Investigative Fund, says some health care professionals wonder if the promise of electronic medical records has been exaggerated. Host Scott Simon talks to Schulte about the potential pitfalls.

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]]> Rolling The Dice On Mammograms Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one? Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120645754&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120645754&ft=1&f=1066 Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one? 166 no Every 1,900 screenings for women in their 40s produces just one case in which cancer is discovered. But what if you're the one?

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]]> Evidence-Based Medicine: Hard For Some To Swallow Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:07:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120620408&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120620408&ft=1&f=1066 Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results. 218 no Patients often find it difficult to base medical decisions on study results.

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]]> Talking Turkey About Holiday Stress The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? <em>Science Friday</em> hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613258&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613258&ft=1&f=1066 The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? <em>Science Friday</em> hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope. 320 no The holiday season is here and for many that can mean a surge in stress. But what is stress exactly? Science Friday hit the streets of New York City to gauge stress levels and consulted with experts on the effects of stress and strategies for how to cope.

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]]> Debating Benefits, Risks Of Routine Mammograms New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613264&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613264&ft=1&f=1066 New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health. 1564 no New guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend women start getting routine mammograms at age 50, not 40. Ira Flatow and guests take a closer look at the guidelines and what they mean for women's health.

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]]> Listeners Reject, Accept New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608136&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608136&ft=1&f=1066 Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram. 256 no Tell Me More host Michel Martin and Lee Hill, the program's "digital media guy," comb through listener feedback and offer important news updates to recent conversations heard on the program. This week, the audience shares personal stories in reaction to controversial new guidelines issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a component of the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency says suggests women can now wait an additional 10 years before getting an annual mammogram.

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]]> Breast Cancer Advocates Not Buying New Guidelines Studies show that testing women in their 40s could save a small percentage of lives. But to some public health officials, it isn't worth the possible harm the excess testing causes. Cancer survivors and advocacy groups say the screening tool isn't perfect, but it's worth the risk. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120581364&ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120581364&ft=1&f=1066 Studies show that testing women in their 40s could save a small percentage of lives. But to some public health officials, it isn't worth the possible harm the excess testing causes. Cancer survivors and advocacy groups say the screening tool isn't perfect, but it's worth the risk. 247 no Studies show that testing women in their 40s could save a small percentage of lives. But to some public health officials, it isn't worth the possible harm the excess testing causes. Cancer survivors and advocacy groups say the screening tool isn't perfect, but it's worth the risk.

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