Your Health
Adapting Vaccines For Our Aging Immune Systems
()Vaccines can be a crucial line of defense for older people, who are more likely to suffer complications from infections such as the flu. Our immune system weakens over time, and so does our response to vaccines. But researchers have found ways to create stronger vaccines that work better in older people.
Experts: 'Gene Doping' To Be Next Sports Scandal
Boosting performance through genetic manipulation is likely to tempt cheating athletes.
()Mental Health
Is Depression Overdiagnosed In America?()
February 5, 2010 Roughly 27 million Americans took prescription antidepressants in 2005, making them the most commonly prescribed class of medications in America. Ira Flatow and guests discuss depression, from how it's diagnosed and treated to how antidepressants stack up against psychotherapy and placebos.
NPR Health Blog
Seniors, Take A Moment... For Vaccines()
February 5, 2010 Immunization against some common diseases can go a long way toward protecting older people from serious health problems. But a look at national vaccination rates shows lots of room for improvement.
NPR Health Blog
How Many Endoscopic Exams Could You Handle?()
February 4, 2010 Volunteers who got 15 endoscopies in six months reported no change in their quality of life. Apparently, you can get used to just about anything.
NPR Health Blog
Girl Loses Balance On Wii Fit Board, Breaks Foot()
February 3, 2010 Even virtual sports can cause real injuries. Reports in medical journals show that people sometimes hurt themselves in the darndest ways playing video games.
NPR Health Blog
Vaccine Scare Shows How Emotions Trump Facts()
February 3, 2010 When scientific facts are complicated or unclear, our emotional instincts can overwhelm logic. An expert on risk perception and communication takes a look at lessons from a discredited study that raised fears about autism and vaccines.
Health
Guns, Tumors And The Limits Of The Human Eye()
February 3, 2010 What do an airport baggage screener and a radiologist looking for breast cancer have in common? Both suffer from the limitations of the human eye. A new study finds that when we're searching for rare things, like tumors and guns, they're a lot harder to see.
NPR Health Blog
Herbal Supplements Can Wreak Havoc With Heart Drugs()
February 2, 2010 Many people assume that herbal supplements are inherently safe. But doctors say some remedies can interfere with prescription medicines. If you take supplements, be sure to fill your doctor in.
NPR Health Blog
Black Pepper Becomes Latest Salmonella Suspect()
February 1, 2010 Salmonella bacteria are popping up in the strangest places, including black pepper used to coat sausages.
NPR Health Blog
NIH Pushes For Radiation Reporting By Scanner Makers()
February 1, 2010 Radiation doses from medical tests are often not included in patients' medical files. Doctors at the National Institutes of Health's hospital will require that new imaging equipment automatically provide the data for computerized medical records.
How Revving Up Your Heart Rate, Even A Bit, Pays Off()
February 1, 2010 Getting fit can seem a daunting task, but increasingly, research is finding that small changes can make a big difference. Something as simple as brisk walking can markedly improve fitness — and lifespan. One key to optimizing your workout is getting your heart rate in the target zone.
