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. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Wed, 22 May 2013 13:01:00 -0400 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 no Research Reveals Yeasty Beasts Living On Our Skin While studying microorganisms on humans is not new, tracking fungi is. In a census of sorts, scientists checked the skin of healthy volunteers. They found an expansive ecosystem of silent inhabitants. Wed, 22 May 2013 13:01:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/22/185821644/research-reveals-yeasty-beasts-living-on-our-skin?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/22/185821644/research-reveals-yeasty-beasts-living-on-our-skin?ft=1&f=1066 While studying microorganisms on humans is not new, tracking fungi is. In a census of sorts, scientists checked the skin of healthy volunteers. They found an expansive ecosystem of silent inhabitants. 277 no While studying microorganisms on humans is not new, tracking fungi is. In a census of sorts, scientists checked the skin of healthy volunteers. They found an expansive ecosystem of silent inhabitants.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Catch For Insurers That Cut Deductibles For Healthy People Rewards to policyholders for claims that don't meet the annual deductible can be a boon for healthy people. But the approach might not pass the smell test in 2014 when the federal health law bans discriminating against people based on their health status. Tue, 21 May 2013 15:53:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/21/185823609/a-catch-for-insurers-that-cut-deductibles-for-healthy-people?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/21/185823609/a-catch-for-insurers-that-cut-deductibles-for-healthy-people?ft=1&f=1066 Rewards to policyholders for claims that don't meet the annual deductible can be a boon for healthy people. But the approach might not pass the smell test in 2014 when the federal health law bans discriminating against people based on their health status. no Rewards to policyholders for claims that don't meet the annual deductible can be a boon for healthy people. But the approach might not pass the smell test in 2014 when the federal health law bans discriminating against people based on their health status.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Mother And Daughter Confront Their Breast Cancer Risk Newspaper columnist Regina Brett and her daughter Gabrielle share a genetic risk factor for breast cancer. It's the same one that led Angelina Jolie to have a preventive mastectomy. Before Jolie's very public decision, the Bretts struggled with their own. Tue, 21 May 2013 13:52:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/21/185788760/a-mother-and-daughter-confront-their-breast-cancer-risk?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/21/185788760/a-mother-and-daughter-confront-their-breast-cancer-risk?ft=1&f=1066 Newspaper columnist Regina Brett and her daughter Gabrielle share a genetic risk factor for breast cancer. It's the same one that led Angelina Jolie to have a preventive mastectomy. Before Jolie's very public decision, the Bretts struggled with their own. no Newspaper columnist Regina Brett and her daughter Gabrielle share a genetic risk factor for breast cancer. It's the same one that led Angelina Jolie to have a preventive mastectomy. Before Jolie's very public decision, the Bretts struggled with their own.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Getting Rid Of My Breasts, A Lot Of People Didn't Understand The news that Angelina Jolie had a preventative double mastectomy has many women thinking about how far they'd go to protect their bodies. Cleveland journalist Regina Brett has written about how she and her daughter Gabe went through the same surgery. They share their story with host Michel Martin. Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/21/185788203/getting-rid-of-my-breasts-a-lot-of-people-didnt-understand?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/21/185788203/getting-rid-of-my-breasts-a-lot-of-people-didnt-understand?ft=1&f=1066 The news that Angelina Jolie had a preventative double mastectomy has many women thinking about how far they'd go to protect their bodies. Cleveland journalist Regina Brett has written about how she and her daughter Gabe went through the same surgery. They share their story with host Michel Martin. no The news that Angelina Jolie had a preventative double mastectomy has many women thinking about how far they'd go to protect their bodies. Cleveland journalist Regina Brett has written about how she and her daughter Gabe went through the same surgery. They share their story with host Michel Martin.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> ADHD In Childhood May Feed Obesity In Adults People diagnosed with ADHD as children may be more apt to be obese in adulthood, scientists say. Differences in brain biology or the impulsiveness typical of ADHD may contribute to lasting, bad eating habits. Mon, 20 May 2013 12:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/20/185521490/adhd-in-childhood-may-feed-obesity-in-adults?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/20/185521490/adhd-in-childhood-may-feed-obesity-in-adults?ft=1&f=1066 People diagnosed with ADHD as children may be more apt to be obese in adulthood, scientists say. Differences in brain biology or the impulsiveness typical of ADHD may contribute to lasting, bad eating habits. no People diagnosed with ADHD as children may be more apt to be obese in adulthood, scientists say. Differences in brain biology or the impulsiveness typical of ADHD may contribute to lasting, bad eating habits.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> If Your Shrink Is A Bot, How Do You Respond? A computer-simulated woman named Ellie is designed to talk to people who are struggling emotionally and take their measure — 30 times per second. Researchers hope their technology, which reads a person's body language and inflections, will yield diagnostic clues for clinical therapists. Mon, 20 May 2013 03:04:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/20/182593855/if-your-shrink-is-a-bot-how-do-you-respond?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/20/182593855/if-your-shrink-is-a-bot-how-do-you-respond?ft=1&f=1066 A computer-simulated woman named Ellie is designed to talk to people who are struggling emotionally and take their measure — 30 times per second. Researchers hope their technology, which reads a person's body language and inflections, will yield diagnostic clues for clinical therapists. 536 no A computer-simulated woman named Ellie is designed to talk to people who are struggling emotionally and take their measure — 30 times per second. Researchers hope their technology, which reads a person's body language and inflections, will yield diagnostic clues for clinical therapists.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Alzheimer's Cases Rise, But Hope Remains More than 5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer's disease, and the number is only going to increase — in part, due to aging baby boomers. But researchers say increased awareness and early detection is helping patients live with the disease. Sat, 18 May 2013 17:27:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/185103746/alzheimers-cases-rise-but-hope-remains?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/18/185103746/alzheimers-cases-rise-but-hope-remains?ft=1&f=1066 More than 5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer's disease, and the number is only going to increase — in part, due to aging baby boomers. But researchers say increased awareness and early detection is helping patients live with the disease. 690 no More than 5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer's disease, and the number is only going to increase — in part, due to aging baby boomers. But researchers say increased awareness and early detection is helping patients live with the disease.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Up For Discussion: Cost Of Cancer Care Avoided Too Often Even cancer patients with health insurance can face steep copayments for drugs, a sizable share of hospital bills and significant incidental expenses. So wouldn't it make sense for doctors and patients to talk about financial issues up front? Fri, 17 May 2013 14:42:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/17/184804719/up-for-discussion-cost-of-cancer-care-avoided-too-often?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/17/184804719/up-for-discussion-cost-of-cancer-care-avoided-too-often?ft=1&f=1066 Even cancer patients with health insurance can face steep copayments for drugs, a sizable share of hospital bills and significant incidental expenses. So wouldn't it make sense for doctors and patients to talk about financial issues up front? no Even cancer patients with health insurance can face steep copayments for drugs, a sizable share of hospital bills and significant incidental expenses. So wouldn't it make sense for doctors and patients to talk about financial issues up front?

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> How Can You Give A Community Better Health? Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. He hopes to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys." Fri, 17 May 2013 09:55:46 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/181691507/how-can-you-give-a-community-better-health?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/17/181691507/how-can-you-give-a-community-better-health?ft=1&f=1066 Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. He hopes to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys." 431 no Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA — in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. He hopes to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where "the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Biking To Work: Healthful Until You Hit A Pothole Biking to work is a great way to get exercise, save money and reduce pollution from cars. But does the risk of accidents cancel out all the good? Experience in Europe says no, but the U.S. lacks that tradition of urban bike travel. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:43:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184523282/biking-to-work-healthful-until-you-hit-a-pothole?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184523282/biking-to-work-healthful-until-you-hit-a-pothole?ft=1&f=1066 Biking to work is a great way to get exercise, save money and reduce pollution from cars. But does the risk of accidents cancel out all the good? Experience in Europe says no, but the U.S. lacks that tradition of urban bike travel. no Biking to work is a great way to get exercise, save money and reduce pollution from cars. But does the risk of accidents cancel out all the good? Experience in Europe says no, but the U.S. lacks that tradition of urban bike travel.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Small Shock To The System May Help Brain With Math The results are preliminary, and alpha parents seeking an edge for their children shouldn't risk electrocution. Still, the findings are provocative and may lead researchers down a new road. Thu, 16 May 2013 16:14:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184544875/a-small-shock-to-the-system-may-help-brain-with-math?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184544875/a-small-shock-to-the-system-may-help-brain-with-math?ft=1&f=1066 The results are preliminary, and alpha parents seeking an edge for their children shouldn't risk electrocution. Still, the findings are provocative and may lead researchers down a new road. no The results are preliminary, and alpha parents seeking an edge for their children shouldn't risk electrocution. Still, the findings are provocative and may lead researchers down a new road.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Everybody In The Pool! But Please Leave The Poop Behind Most public swimming pools are contaminated with germs carried by poop, federal researchers found. We swimmers are to blame. Showering before swimming and taking kids to the bathroom often would help. Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184482999/everybody-in-the-pool-but-please-leave-the-poop-behind?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/16/184482999/everybody-in-the-pool-but-please-leave-the-poop-behind?ft=1&f=1066 Most public swimming pools are contaminated with germs carried by poop, federal researchers found. We swimmers are to blame. Showering before swimming and taking kids to the bathroom often would help. no Most public swimming pools are contaminated with germs carried by poop, federal researchers found. We swimmers are to blame. Showering before swimming and taking kids to the bathroom often would help.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Treadmill Desks And The Benefits Of 'Walking Alive' <em>New Yorker</em> staff writer Susan Orlean has spent years trying to find the right desk chair. She considered a pricy museum-worthy chair, a kneeling chair and a yoga ball before ditching the seat altogether for a treadmill desk — and discovering the health benefits of moving at work. Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184232468/treadmill-desks-and-the-benefits-of-walking-alive?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/2013/05/15/184232468/treadmill-desks-and-the-benefits-of-walking-alive?ft=1&f=1066 <em>New Yorker</em> staff writer Susan Orlean has spent years trying to find the right desk chair. She considered a pricy museum-worthy chair, a kneeling chair and a yoga ball before ditching the seat altogether for a treadmill desk — and discovering the health benefits of moving at work. 1013 no New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean has spent years trying to find the right desk chair. She considered a pricy museum-worthy chair, a kneeling chair and a yoga ball before ditching the seat altogether for a treadmill desk — and discovering the health benefits of moving at work.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Angelina Jolie's Mastectomy Decision And Weighing Cancer Risks Writer and breast cancer survivor Peggy Orenstein talks with David Greene about actress Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. The cancer risk for most women is much lower than Jolie's. Wed, 15 May 2013 10:29:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/15/184166941/angelina-jolies-mastectomy-decision-and-weighing-cancer-risks?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/15/184166941/angelina-jolies-mastectomy-decision-and-weighing-cancer-risks?ft=1&f=1066 Writer and breast cancer survivor Peggy Orenstein talks with David Greene about actress Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. The cancer risk for most women is much lower than Jolie's. no Writer and breast cancer survivor Peggy Orenstein talks with David Greene about actress Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer. The cancer risk for most women is much lower than Jolie's.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Feds Push For Lower Alcohol Limits For Drivers The National Transportation Safety Board wants the blood alcohol limit to be lowered from 0.08 to 0.05, in line with the limits in countries such as Denmark, the Philippines and Switzerland. But it may be tough sell in states across the country. Tue, 14 May 2013 15:16:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/14/183941093/feds-push-for-lower-alcohol-thresholds-for-drivers?ft=1&f=1066 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2013/05/14/183941093/feds-push-for-lower-alcohol-thresholds-for-drivers?ft=1&f=1066 The National Transportation Safety Board wants the blood alcohol limit to be lowered from 0.08 to 0.05, in line with the limits in countries such as Denmark, the Philippines and Switzerland. But it may be tough sell in states across the country. no The National Transportation Safety Board wants the blood alcohol limit to be lowered from 0.08 to 0.05, in line with the limits in countries such as Denmark, the Philippines and Switzerland. But it may be tough sell in states across the country.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>