Some cancer drugs used to treat patients with leukemia may also help stop the Ebola virus and give the body time to control the infection before it turns deadly, US researchers said on Wednesday.
The much-feared Ebola virus emerged in Africa in the 1970s and can incite a hemorrhagic fever which causes a person to bleed to death in up to 90 percent of cases.
While rare, the Ebola virus is considered a potential weapon for bioterrorists because it is so highly contagious, so lethal and has no standard treatment.
But a pair of well-known drugs that have been used to treat leukemia -- known as
Rabu, 29 Februari 2012
Selasa, 28 Februari 2012
Safety Alerts Cite Cholesterol Drugs’ Side Effects
Federal health officials are adding new safety alerts to statins, cholesterol-reducing medications that are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the world, about the rare risks of memory loss, increased blood sugar levels and muscle pain.
It is the first time that the Food and Drug Administration has officially linked statin use with cognitive problems like forgetfulness and confusion, although some patients have reported such problems for years. Among the drugs affected are such huge sellers as Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor and Vytorin.
Numerous studies have shown that statin therapy
It is the first time that the Food and Drug Administration has officially linked statin use with cognitive problems like forgetfulness and confusion, although some patients have reported such problems for years. Among the drugs affected are such huge sellers as Lipitor, Zocor, Crestor and Vytorin.
Numerous studies have shown that statin therapy
Democrats Primed for Contraception Battle With Republicans
WASHINGTON — With the cameras running and the microphones on, Congressional Democrats express outrage over Republican efforts to limit the types of health care that employers have to offer to their workers, particularly contraception. This is a fight Democrats are perfectly pleased to have.
As the issue of contraception access comes to the Senate this week, White House officials and Senate Democrats are increasingly hopeful that it will cut in their favor, believing that voters will conclude that Republicans are overreaching under the rubric of religious freedom.
Democratic leaders, who
As the issue of contraception access comes to the Senate this week, White House officials and Senate Democrats are increasingly hopeful that it will cut in their favor, believing that voters will conclude that Republicans are overreaching under the rubric of religious freedom.
Democratic leaders, who
Senin, 27 Februari 2012
Yoga Fans Sexual Flames and, Predictably, Plenty of Scandal
The wholesome image of yoga took a hit in the past few weeks as a rising star of the discipline came tumbling back to earth. After accusations of sexual impropriety with female students, John Friend, the founder of Anusara, one of the world’s fastest-growing styles, told followers that he was stepping down for an indefinite period of “self-reflection, therapy and personal retreat.”
George Rose/Getty Images
CELEBRITY GURU Swami Muktananda had many thousands of devotees, including celebrities. A senior aide charged that he was a serial philanderer and sexual hypocrite.
Barry Z
George Rose/Getty Images
CELEBRITY GURU Swami Muktananda had many thousands of devotees, including celebrities. A senior aide charged that he was a serial philanderer and sexual hypocrite.
Barry Z
Stents Show No Extra Benefits for Coronary Artery Disease
The common practice of inserting a stent to repair a narrowed artery has no benefit over standard medical care in treating stable coronary artery disease, according to a new review of randomized controlled trials published on Monday.
Stable coronary artery disease is the type of heart ailment that causes angina, or chest pain, after physical exercise or emotional stress but generally not at other times. The review did not include studies of the emergency use of stents for heart attacks.
Stent implantation involves a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention, or P.C.I., in which a
Stable coronary artery disease is the type of heart ailment that causes angina, or chest pain, after physical exercise or emotional stress but generally not at other times. The review did not include studies of the emergency use of stents for heart attacks.
Stent implantation involves a procedure called percutaneous coronary intervention, or P.C.I., in which a
Minggu, 26 Februari 2012
Pioneering lab work aims to smash women's fertility barrier
An experiment that produced human eggs from stem cells could one day be a boon for women who are desperate to have a baby, according to a study published on Sunday.
The work sweeps away the belief that a woman has only a limited stock of eggs and replaces it with the theory that the supply is continuously replenished from precursor cells in the ovary, its authors said.
"The prevailing dogma in our field for the better part of the last 50 or 60 years was that young girls at birth were given a bank account of eggs at birth that's not renewable," said Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent
The work sweeps away the belief that a woman has only a limited stock of eggs and replaces it with the theory that the supply is continuously replenished from precursor cells in the ovary, its authors said.
"The prevailing dogma in our field for the better part of the last 50 or 60 years was that young girls at birth were given a bank account of eggs at birth that's not renewable," said Jonathan Tilly, director of the Vincent
Sabtu, 25 Februari 2012
The Vanishing Mind: Dealing With Dementia Among Aging Criminals
By Nancy Donaldson, Todd Heisler, Soo-Jeong Kang and Catherine Spangler
Dementia Behind Bars: Dementia is a fast-growing phenomenon in prisons that many are not prepared to handle. The California Men’s Colony is using convicted killers to care for inmates who can no longer care for themselves.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Secel Montgomery Sr. stabbed a woman in the stomach, chest and throat so fiercely that he lost count of the wounds he inflicted. In the nearly 25 years he has been serving a life sentence, he has gotten into fights, threatened a prison official and been caught with
Dementia Behind Bars: Dementia is a fast-growing phenomenon in prisons that many are not prepared to handle. The California Men’s Colony is using convicted killers to care for inmates who can no longer care for themselves.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Secel Montgomery Sr. stabbed a woman in the stomach, chest and throat so fiercely that he lost count of the wounds he inflicted. In the nearly 25 years he has been serving a life sentence, he has gotten into fights, threatened a prison official and been caught with
Workstation: Procrastinating at Work? Maybe You’re Overwhelmed
SINCE time began, it seems, people have been putting off till tomorrow what they could have done today — berating themselves and inconveniencing others in the process.
It wouldn’t be a problem except that time eventually runs out. “You may delay, but time will not,” said Benjamin Franklin.
In the world of work, procrastination has “expensive and visible costs,” said Rory Vaden, a corporate trainer, who points to research showing that the average employee admits to wasting two hours a day on nonwork tasks.
People know that procrastination hurts themselves, others and their work,
It wouldn’t be a problem except that time eventually runs out. “You may delay, but time will not,” said Benjamin Franklin.
In the world of work, procrastination has “expensive and visible costs,” said Rory Vaden, a corporate trainer, who points to research showing that the average employee admits to wasting two hours a day on nonwork tasks.
People know that procrastination hurts themselves, others and their work,
Jumat, 24 Februari 2012
Facebook Posts Can Offer Clues of Depression
For adolescents, Facebook and other social media have created an irresistible forum for online sharing and oversharing, so much so that endless mood-of-the-moment updates have inspired a snickering retort on T-shirts and posters: “Face your problems, don’t Facebook them.”
But specialists in adolescent medicine and mental health experts say that dark postings should not be hastily dismissed because they can serve as signs of depression and an early warning system for timely intervention. Whether therapists should engage with patients over Facebook, however, remains a matter of
But specialists in adolescent medicine and mental health experts say that dark postings should not be hastily dismissed because they can serve as signs of depression and an early warning system for timely intervention. Whether therapists should engage with patients over Facebook, however, remains a matter of
Managed Care Keeps the Frail Out of Nursing Homes
Todd Heisler/The New York Times
Lillian Johnson, seated, prepares for a ride home from the New York Archdiocese's ArchCare PACE Center in Harlem, an alternative to a nursing home.
Faced with soaring health care costs and shrinking Medicare and Medicaid financing, nursing home operators are closing some facilities and embracing an emerging model of care that allows many elderly patients to remain in their homes and still receive the medical and social services available in institutions.
Follow @NYTMetro
Connect with us on Twitter for breaking news and headlines in New York.
Todd
Lillian Johnson, seated, prepares for a ride home from the New York Archdiocese's ArchCare PACE Center in Harlem, an alternative to a nursing home.
Faced with soaring health care costs and shrinking Medicare and Medicaid financing, nursing home operators are closing some facilities and embracing an emerging model of care that allows many elderly patients to remain in their homes and still receive the medical and social services available in institutions.
Follow @NYTMetro
Connect with us on Twitter for breaking news and headlines in New York.
Todd
Kamis, 23 Februari 2012
Colonoscopy Prevents Death, a Study Affirms
A new study provides what independent researchers call the best evidence yet that colonoscopy — perhaps the most unloved cancer screening test — prevents deaths. Although many people have assumed colonoscopy must save lives because it is so often recommended, strong evidence has been lacking until now.
In patients tracked for as long as 20 years, the death rate from colorectal cancer was cut by 53 percent in those who had the test and whose doctors removed precancerous growths, known as adenomatous polyps, researchers reported on Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine. The
In patients tracked for as long as 20 years, the death rate from colorectal cancer was cut by 53 percent in those who had the test and whose doctors removed precancerous growths, known as adenomatous polyps, researchers reported on Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine. The
Governor of Virginia Shifts Position on Abortion Bill
Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch, via Associated Press
Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia, at a news conference in Richmond on Wednesday, has requested changes in abortion legislation.
Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia backed down on Wednesday on a bill requiring women to have a vaginal ultrasound before undergoing an abortion. It was a sudden change of position for a conservative governor who is viewed as having political ambitions on the national stage.
The bill had drawn intense national attention in recent days, with a large protest by women’s health groups over the weekend and spoofs on
Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia, at a news conference in Richmond on Wednesday, has requested changes in abortion legislation.
Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia backed down on Wednesday on a bill requiring women to have a vaginal ultrasound before undergoing an abortion. It was a sudden change of position for a conservative governor who is viewed as having political ambitions on the national stage.
The bill had drawn intense national attention in recent days, with a large protest by women’s health groups over the weekend and spoofs on
Rabu, 22 Februari 2012
US health experts give nod to new obesity drug
An advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday urged approval of a new obesity drug, Qnexa, after warning against its approval in 2010 due to safety concerns.
The panel voted 20-2 that the FDA should allow Qnexa on the market, saying the latest overall benefit-risk assessment supported its approval.
The drug, made by California-based biotech firm Vivus, is the first obesity drug submitted to the FDA in more than a decade.
Qnexa combines two existing drugs, the appetite suppressant phentermine and topiramate, an anti-convulsant that can be used in conjunction with other
The panel voted 20-2 that the FDA should allow Qnexa on the market, saying the latest overall benefit-risk assessment supported its approval.
The drug, made by California-based biotech firm Vivus, is the first obesity drug submitted to the FDA in more than a decade.
Qnexa combines two existing drugs, the appetite suppressant phentermine and topiramate, an anti-convulsant that can be used in conjunction with other
Colonoscopy Lowers Rate of Cancer Deaths, Study Finds
A new study provides what independent researchers call the best evidence yet that colonoscopy — perhaps the most unloved cancer screening test — prevents deaths. Although many people have assumed colonoscopy must save lives because it is so often recommended, strong evidence has been lacking until now.
In patients tracked for as long as 20 years, the death rate from colorectal cancer was cut by 53 percent in those who had the test and whose doctors removed precancerous growths, known as adenomatous polyps, researchers reported on Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine. The
In patients tracked for as long as 20 years, the death rate from colorectal cancer was cut by 53 percent in those who had the test and whose doctors removed precancerous growths, known as adenomatous polyps, researchers reported on Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine. The
Selasa, 21 Februari 2012
Bird flu claims third victim this year in Indonesia
Tests on a 19-year-old woman who died last week showed she had contracted the bird flu virus, Indonesia's third human death from the deadly disease this year, the health ministry said on Tuesday.
Concerns about avian influenza have risen in the region with China, Cambodia and Vietnam all reporting deaths from the H5N1 virus this year.
The latest Indonesian victim died on February 13, a day after being admitted to a hospital in Tangerang district on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, the ministry said.
Tests on the victim after she died confirmed she had contracted the virus, but a health
Concerns about avian influenza have risen in the region with China, Cambodia and Vietnam all reporting deaths from the H5N1 virus this year.
The latest Indonesian victim died on February 13, a day after being admitted to a hospital in Tangerang district on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, the ministry said.
Tests on the victim after she died confirmed she had contracted the virus, but a health
F.D.A. Approves Imports Amid Shortage of 2 Cancer Drugs
WASHINGTON — Dire shortages of two critical cancer drugs — shortfalls that have threatened the lives and care of thousands of cancer patients — should be resolved within weeks, federal drug officials said.
The two drugs are doxorubicin and methotrexate, and in both cases supplies in the United States are being bolstered by shipments from abroad. Shortages of scores of other drugs continue.
“We’re not out of the woods,” said Dr. Sandra L. Kweder of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug center. “But these two particular shortages have been very, very upsetting to patients
The two drugs are doxorubicin and methotrexate, and in both cases supplies in the United States are being bolstered by shipments from abroad. Shortages of scores of other drugs continue.
“We’re not out of the woods,” said Dr. Sandra L. Kweder of the Food and Drug Administration’s drug center. “But these two particular shortages have been very, very upsetting to patients
Senin, 20 Februari 2012
Personal Best: Workouts May Not Be the Best Time for a Snack
Andrew Burton/Associated Press
A few weeks ago, a friend showed up for a run with a CamelBak — one of those humplike backpacks with a tube that allows you to sip liquid — and a belt containing food to eat along the way. Every 20 minutes or so as we ran, he stopped to eat and drink, sprinting afterward to catch up.
Now that is unusual, I thought. Does it really help to eat so often during a 16-mile run?
Certainly a lot of athletes believe they need constant nourishment. My friend and running partner Jen Davis, who has entered more races and run more than I ever have, once went on a
A few weeks ago, a friend showed up for a run with a CamelBak — one of those humplike backpacks with a tube that allows you to sip liquid — and a belt containing food to eat along the way. Every 20 minutes or so as we ran, he stopped to eat and drink, sprinting afterward to catch up.
Now that is unusual, I thought. Does it really help to eat so often during a 16-mile run?
Certainly a lot of athletes believe they need constant nourishment. My friend and running partner Jen Davis, who has entered more races and run more than I ever have, once went on a
In Theory: Aging of Eyes Is Blamed in Circadian Rhythm Disturbances
The aging eye filters out blue light, affecting circadian rhythm and health in older adults.
THE INVESTIGATORS
Dr. Martin Mainster and Dr. Patricia Turner, University of Kansas School of Medicine.
For decades, scientists have looked for explanations as to why certain conditions occur with age, among them memory loss, slower reaction time, insomnia and even depression. They have scrupulously investigated such suspects as high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease and an inactive lifestyle.
Now a fascinating body of research supports a largely unrecognized culprit: the aging of the eye.
The
THE INVESTIGATORS
Dr. Martin Mainster and Dr. Patricia Turner, University of Kansas School of Medicine.
For decades, scientists have looked for explanations as to why certain conditions occur with age, among them memory loss, slower reaction time, insomnia and even depression. They have scrupulously investigated such suspects as high cholesterol, obesity, heart disease and an inactive lifestyle.
Now a fascinating body of research supports a largely unrecognized culprit: the aging of the eye.
The
Minggu, 19 Februari 2012
Lives Forever Linked Through Kidney Transplant Chain 124
FROM START TO FINISH A donation by a Good Samaritan, Rick Ruzzamenti, upper left, set in motion a 60-person chain of transplants that ended with a kidney for Donald C. Terry Jr., bottom right.
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Rick Ruzzamenti admits to being a tad impulsive. He traded his Catholicism for Buddhism in a revelatory flash. He married a Vietnamese woman he had only just met. And then a year ago, he decided in an instant to donate his left kidney to a stranger.
In February 2011, the desk clerk at Mr. Ruzzamenti’s yoga studio told him she had recently donated a kidney to an ailing friend
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Rick Ruzzamenti admits to being a tad impulsive. He traded his Catholicism for Buddhism in a revelatory flash. He married a Vietnamese woman he had only just met. And then a year ago, he decided in an instant to donate his left kidney to a stranger.
In February 2011, the desk clerk at Mr. Ruzzamenti’s yoga studio told him she had recently donated a kidney to an ailing friend
Scientists Find New Dangers in Tiny but Pervasive Particles in Air Pollution
Fine atmospheric particles — smaller than one-thirtieth of the diameter of a human hair — were identified more than 20 years ago as the most lethal of the widely dispersed air pollutants in the United States. Linked to both heart and lung disease, they kill an estimated 50,000 Americans each year. But more recently, scientists have been puzzled to learn that a subset of these particles, called secondary organic aerosols, has a greater total mass, and is thus more dangerous, than previously understood.
A batch of new scientific findings is helping sort out the discrepancy, including,
A batch of new scientific findings is helping sort out the discrepancy, including,
Sabtu, 18 Februari 2012
'Nodding disease' confounds experts, kills children
Patrick Anywar, 14, lies curled up naked in the dust and midday heat of a Ugandan village, struggling to look up at his younger brother and sister playing in front of the family home.
After a minute's effort to face his siblings, Anywar's head slumps onto his chest and his emaciated body is gripped by convulsions.
Anywar is one of more than 3,000 children in northern Uganda who are suffering from a debilitating mystery ailment known as nodding disease, which has touched almost every family in the village of Tumangu.
For several years, scientists have tried and failed to determine the cause
After a minute's effort to face his siblings, Anywar's head slumps onto his chest and his emaciated body is gripped by convulsions.
Anywar is one of more than 3,000 children in northern Uganda who are suffering from a debilitating mystery ailment known as nodding disease, which has touched almost every family in the village of Tumangu.
For several years, scientists have tried and failed to determine the cause
Research on Deadly Bird Flu to Be Published in Full
The full details of recent experiments that made a deadly flu virus more contagious will be published, despite recommendations by the United States government that some information be kept secret for safety reasons, an official of the World Health Organization said on Friday.
But a 60-day moratorium declared last month on both the research itself and its publication will be extended, probably for several months, according to Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the health organization’s assistant director general for health security and the environment. He spoke at a news conference in Geneva after a
But a 60-day moratorium declared last month on both the research itself and its publication will be extended, probably for several months, according to Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the health organization’s assistant director general for health security and the environment. He spoke at a news conference in Geneva after a
Jumat, 17 Februari 2012
Details of Bird Flu Research Will Be Released
The full details of recent experiments that made a deadly flu virus more contagious will be published, despite recommendations by the United States government that some information be kept secret for safety reasons, an official of the World Health Organization said on Friday.
But a 60-day moratorium declared last month on both the research itself and its publication will be extended, probably for several months, according to Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the health organization’s assistant director general for health security and the environment. He spoke at a news conference in Geneva after a
But a 60-day moratorium declared last month on both the research itself and its publication will be extended, probably for several months, according to Dr. Keiji Fukuda, the health organization’s assistant director general for health security and the environment. He spoke at a news conference in Geneva after a
Microchip Implanted to Deliver Drug Shows Promise in Trial
Scientists have conducted the first human trial of an implantable microchip-based drug delivery device, an assembly that releases precise doses of a drug through a wireless communication link and receives return messages confirming proper operation.
In cooperation with two commercial companies, scientists at Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Case Western Reserve University created a chip that holds measured doses of teriparatide (brand name Forteo), an injectable drug used to treat osteoporosis.
The cost of the drug delivered by the implant is about $10,000 to $12,000 a
In cooperation with two commercial companies, scientists at Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Case Western Reserve University created a chip that holds measured doses of teriparatide (brand name Forteo), an injectable drug used to treat osteoporosis.
The cost of the drug delivered by the implant is about $10,000 to $12,000 a
Kamis, 16 Februari 2012
Self-Insurance Complicates Deal on Birth Control
Stephen Crowley/The New York Times
President Obama, with Kathleen Sebelius, the health and human services secretary, on Friday.
The Obama administration thought it had found a way to ease mounting objections to a requirement in the new health care act that all employers — including religiously affiliated hospitals and universities — offer coverage for birth control to women free of charge.
It would make the insurers cover the costs, rather than the organizations themselves.
But the administration announced the compromise plan before it had figured out how to address one conspicuous
President Obama, with Kathleen Sebelius, the health and human services secretary, on Friday.
The Obama administration thought it had found a way to ease mounting objections to a requirement in the new health care act that all employers — including religiously affiliated hospitals and universities — offer coverage for birth control to women free of charge.
It would make the insurers cover the costs, rather than the organizations themselves.
But the administration announced the compromise plan before it had figured out how to address one conspicuous
Well: In Israel, a New Approach to Organ Donation
Dr. Jacob Lavee
One of the most agonizing spots in medicine is the “transplant list.” When I’ve referred patients for organ transplant — heart, liver, kidney — it is the start of an anguished wait. The clock ticks for my patient as we watch her clinical status decline, all the while harboring that excruciating hope that someone will die soon enough to make an organ available. In the case of kidney donation, which can come from a live donor, it is the desperate hope that someone will decide to make this enormous personal sacrifice.
Some of my patients have died waiting, which is,
One of the most agonizing spots in medicine is the “transplant list.” When I’ve referred patients for organ transplant — heart, liver, kidney — it is the start of an anguished wait. The clock ticks for my patient as we watch her clinical status decline, all the while harboring that excruciating hope that someone will die soon enough to make an organ available. In the case of kidney donation, which can come from a live donor, it is the desperate hope that someone will decide to make this enormous personal sacrifice.
Some of my patients have died waiting, which is,
Rabu, 15 Februari 2012
Hip Implant the F.D.A. Rejected Was Marketed Abroad
The health care products giant Johnson & Johnson continued to market an artificial hip in Europe and elsewhere overseas after the Food and Drug Administration rejected its sale in the United States based on a review of company safety studies.
During that period, the company also continued to sell in this country a related model, which earlier went on the market using a regulatory loophole that did not require a similar safety review.
It is not known how many people overseas received the replacement hip after the agency decided in 2009 not to approve it, nor the number who received the
During that period, the company also continued to sell in this country a related model, which earlier went on the market using a regulatory loophole that did not require a similar safety review.
It is not known how many people overseas received the replacement hip after the agency decided in 2009 not to approve it, nor the number who received the
Obama Shift on Contraception Splits Catholics
The near-unified front led by the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops to oppose a mandate for employers to cover birth control has now crumbled amid the compromise plan that the Obama administration offered last week to accommodate religious institutions.
The leaders of several large Catholic organizations that work directly on poverty, health care and education have welcomed the president’s plan as a workable compromise that has the potential to protect religious freedom while allowing employees who request it to have contraceptives covered by their insurance plans.
The bishops, however,
The leaders of several large Catholic organizations that work directly on poverty, health care and education have welcomed the president’s plan as a workable compromise that has the potential to protect religious freedom while allowing employees who request it to have contraceptives covered by their insurance plans.
The bishops, however,
Selasa, 14 Februari 2012
Aspirin could beat cancer spread: Australian study
Aspirin and other household drugs may inhibit the spread of cancer because they help shut down the chemical "highways" which feed tumours, Australian researchers announced on Tuesday.
Scientists at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said they have made a biological breakthrough helping explain how lymphatic vessels -- key to the transmission of tumours throughout the body -- respond to cancer.
"We've shown that molecules like the aspirin... could effectively work by reducing the dilation of these major vessels and thereby reducing the capacity of tumours to spread to distant sites,"
Scientists at Melbourne's Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre said they have made a biological breakthrough helping explain how lymphatic vessels -- key to the transmission of tumours throughout the body -- respond to cancer.
"We've shown that molecules like the aspirin... could effectively work by reducing the dilation of these major vessels and thereby reducing the capacity of tumours to spread to distant sites,"
Smoke-free laws lead to less smoking at home
Anti-tobacco laws in several European countries prompted many smokers to ban smoking at home and to cut their cigarette consumption, according to a study reported in the journal Tobacco Control on Tuesday.
Doctors pored over a survey into smoking habits in France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, both before and after bans on smoking in the workplace, restaurants and bars took effect in the last decade.
The trends in those countries were compared with Britain, which at the time did not have smoke-free legislation.
After the laws took effect, the percentage of smokers who banned all
Doctors pored over a survey into smoking habits in France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands, both before and after bans on smoking in the workplace, restaurants and bars took effect in the last decade.
The trends in those countries were compared with Britain, which at the time did not have smoke-free legislation.
After the laws took effect, the percentage of smokers who banned all
Senin, 13 Februari 2012
Feeling Anxious? Soon There Will Be an App for That
The very idea of psychotherapy seems to defy the instant-access, video screen chatter of popular digital culture.
Not for long, if some scientists have their way. In the past few years researchers have been testing simple video-game-like programs aimed at relieving common problems like anxiety and depression. These recent results have been encouraging enough that investigators are now delivering the programs on smartphones — therapy apps, in effect, that may soon make psychological help accessible anytime, anywhere, whether in the grocery store line, on the bus or just before a work
Not for long, if some scientists have their way. In the past few years researchers have been testing simple video-game-like programs aimed at relieving common problems like anxiety and depression. These recent results have been encouraging enough that investigators are now delivering the programs on smartphones — therapy apps, in effect, that may soon make psychological help accessible anytime, anywhere, whether in the grocery store line, on the bus or just before a work
Well: Well: Remembering Jeffrey Zaslow
Eden ZaslowFATHER FIRST Much of Jeffrey Zaslow’s writing centered on the theme of love.
Several years ago, my friend Jeffrey Zaslow sent me a chapter from a book he was writing about lifelong friendships among a group of women from Ames, Iowa. It was a powerful story about love and loss that moved me to tears.
With the draft pages still in my hands, I sat down with my daughter, a second-grader at the time, to talk about the importance of friendship. We talked about her girlfriends, why occasional fights didn’t matter and why she should always treasure her friends. It was a sweet moment,
Several years ago, my friend Jeffrey Zaslow sent me a chapter from a book he was writing about lifelong friendships among a group of women from Ames, Iowa. It was a powerful story about love and loss that moved me to tears.
With the draft pages still in my hands, I sat down with my daughter, a second-grader at the time, to talk about the importance of friendship. We talked about her girlfriends, why occasional fights didn’t matter and why she should always treasure her friends. It was a sweet moment,
Minggu, 12 Februari 2012
Chicago News Cooperative: Program Aims to Bring Fresh Produce and Meats to Chicago’s So-Called Food Deserts
Chicago Central Food Mart, a corner store in West Humboldt Park, straddles the northern edge of an area considered one of Chicago’s food deserts.
The store’s faded yellow awning promises “fresh fruits, meats and vegetables.” But until recently, little fresh produce could be found among the sodas, chips and canned meats packed onto the store’s shelves.
“Everybody eats fruit,” said Ray Samham, a Palestinian immigrant who has owned the store at the intersection of Chicago and Central Park Avenues since 2007 and began stocking fresh groceries last year. “Maybe a store owner
The store’s faded yellow awning promises “fresh fruits, meats and vegetables.” But until recently, little fresh produce could be found among the sodas, chips and canned meats packed onto the store’s shelves.
“Everybody eats fruit,” said Ray Samham, a Palestinian immigrant who has owned the store at the intersection of Chicago and Central Park Avenues since 2007 and began stocking fresh groceries last year. “Maybe a store owner
Michelle Obama Injects Optimism Into Campaign
DALLAS — At a time when President Obama and his opponents are blamed for shrinking from painful remedies for a sluggish nation, Michelle Obama is back on the road as a tireless, cheerful dispenser of them.
“You’ve got a lot of energy because you’re all eating your vegetables and exercising,” the first lady proclaimed to a crowd of 14,000 screaming children in Des Moines on Thursday.
“Thank you for eating your vegetables,” she told airmen at a mess hall in Little Rock, Ark., as several stared guiltily into half-eaten plates of broccoli. “We need you strong.”
And sitting
“You’ve got a lot of energy because you’re all eating your vegetables and exercising,” the first lady proclaimed to a crowd of 14,000 screaming children in Des Moines on Thursday.
“Thank you for eating your vegetables,” she told airmen at a mess hall in Little Rock, Ark., as several stared guiltily into half-eaten plates of broccoli. “We need you strong.”
And sitting
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Sabtu, 11 Februari 2012
Romney’s Path to ‘Pro-Life’ Position on Abortion
Stephan Savoia/Associated Press
Mitt Romney headed to a 1994 debate with Senator Edward M. Kennedy in which Mr. Romney said he would not impose his abortion beliefs on others.
WASHINGTON — From the moment he left business for politics, the issue of abortion has bedeviled Mitt Romney.
In 1994, as a Senate candidate, he invoked the story of a “close family relative” who had died after an illegal abortion and insisted that abortion should be “safe and legal,” though he was personally opposed. In 2002, while running for governor of Massachusetts, he sought the endorsement of abortion
Mitt Romney headed to a 1994 debate with Senator Edward M. Kennedy in which Mr. Romney said he would not impose his abortion beliefs on others.
WASHINGTON — From the moment he left business for politics, the issue of abortion has bedeviled Mitt Romney.
In 1994, as a Senate candidate, he invoked the story of a “close family relative” who had died after an illegal abortion and insisted that abortion should be “safe and legal,” though he was personally opposed. In 2002, while running for governor of Massachusetts, he sought the endorsement of abortion
Cities Turn to a Crop for Cash: Medical Marijuana
Robert Galbraith/Reuters
A customer buying medical marijuana in Oakland, Calif. The city collected $1.4 million in taxes from dispensaries last year.
OAKLAND, Calif. — As the stubborn economic downturn has forced this city to take painful steps to balance its budget in recent years, it has increasingly turned to one of its newer industries to raise much-needed revenues: medical marijuana dispensaries.
The city has raised taxes on marijuana dispensaries several times in the past few years, and last year it collected $1.4 million in taxes from them — nearly 3 percent of all the business
A customer buying medical marijuana in Oakland, Calif. The city collected $1.4 million in taxes from dispensaries last year.
OAKLAND, Calif. — As the stubborn economic downturn has forced this city to take painful steps to balance its budget in recent years, it has increasingly turned to one of its newer industries to raise much-needed revenues: medical marijuana dispensaries.
The city has raised taxes on marijuana dispensaries several times in the past few years, and last year it collected $1.4 million in taxes from them — nearly 3 percent of all the business
Jumat, 10 Februari 2012
Obama Offers ‘Accommodation’ on Birth Control Rule
WASHINGTON—The Obama administration, seeking to rein in a runaway political furor over birth control and religious liberty, is set to announce a possible compromise on Friday that is meant to calm ire from the right about a new administration rule that would require health insurance plans — including those offered by Roman Catholic hospitals, universities and charities — to offer free birth control to female employees.
Administration officials called the expected announcement an “accommodation” that they said sought to demonstrate respect for religious beliefs. It will be similar
Administration officials called the expected announcement an “accommodation” that they said sought to demonstrate respect for religious beliefs. It will be similar
Bishops Planned Battle on Birth Control Coverage Rule
Seth Wenig/Associated Press
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan said the Obama administration had infringed on religious liberty.
When after much internal debate the Obama administration finally announced its decision to require religiously affiliated hospitals and universities to cover birth control in their insurance plans, the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops were fully prepared for battle.
Seven months earlier, they had started laying the groundwork for a major new campaign to combat what they saw as the growing threat to religious liberty, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. But
Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan said the Obama administration had infringed on religious liberty.
When after much internal debate the Obama administration finally announced its decision to require religiously affiliated hospitals and universities to cover birth control in their insurance plans, the nation’s Roman Catholic bishops were fully prepared for battle.
Seven months earlier, they had started laying the groundwork for a major new campaign to combat what they saw as the growing threat to religious liberty, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. But
Kamis, 09 Februari 2012
Boehner Vows to Fight Contraception Rule
WASHINGTON — Congressional Republicans, seizing on the type of social issue that motivates and unifies their base, stepped forcefully Wednesday into the battle over an Obama administration rule requiring health insurance plans provided by Catholic universities and charities to offer free birth control to women, vowing to fight back with legislation to unravel the new policy.
“This is not a women’s rights issue,” said Senator Kelly Ayotte, Republican of New Hampshire. “This is a religious liberty issue.”
Racing to defend the administration, five Democratic senators returned from
“This is not a women’s rights issue,” said Senator Kelly Ayotte, Republican of New Hampshire. “This is a religious liberty issue.”
Racing to defend the administration, five Democratic senators returned from
The New Old Age: Tables Reserved for the Healthiest
Harbor’s EdgeThe River Terrace, above, a dining room at the Harbor’s Edge retirement community in Norfolk, Va., has been closed to residents in assisted living or nursing care.
Residents at Harbor’s Edge, an upscale retirement community in downtown Norfolk, Va., appreciate their gracious dining room, called the River Terrace. They like the country club cuisine, the socializing, the view of ships passing on the Elizabeth River.
Until recently, William Hodges had dinner there every evening with his wife, Betty. Dorothy and Thomas Evans hosted out-of-town guests and celebrated
Residents at Harbor’s Edge, an upscale retirement community in downtown Norfolk, Va., appreciate their gracious dining room, called the River Terrace. They like the country club cuisine, the socializing, the view of ships passing on the Elizabeth River.
Until recently, William Hodges had dinner there every evening with his wife, Betty. Dorothy and Thomas Evans hosted out-of-town guests and celebrated
Rabu, 08 Februari 2012
Obama Addresses Ire on Health Insurance Contraception Rule
By Courtesy of NBC
David Axelrod on Contraception Policy: David Axelrod, a top adviser to President Obama’s campaign, suggested on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that compromise is possible on a mandate requiring almost all employers to cover contraception.
WASHINGTON — Facing vocal opposition from religious leaders and an escalating political fight, the White House sought on Tuesday to ease mounting objections to a new administration rule that would require health insurance plans — including those offered by Catholic universities and charities — to offer birth control to women free
David Axelrod on Contraception Policy: David Axelrod, a top adviser to President Obama’s campaign, suggested on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” that compromise is possible on a mandate requiring almost all employers to cover contraception.
WASHINGTON — Facing vocal opposition from religious leaders and an escalating political fight, the White House sought on Tuesday to ease mounting objections to a new administration rule that would require health insurance plans — including those offered by Catholic universities and charities — to offer birth control to women free
After Outcry, Karen Handel Resigns From Komen
Correction Appended
Karen Handel, a former Republican candidate for governor in Georgia who joined the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation last year, resigned Tuesday as senior vice president for policy just days after the foundation reversed its decision to largely end its financial support for breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood affiliates amid an uproar.
Ms. Handel, who opposes abortion and called for eliminating government money to Planned Parenthood during her 2010 campaign, was among the organization’s senior leaders who helped persuade Komen’s board to change its
Karen Handel, a former Republican candidate for governor in Georgia who joined the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation last year, resigned Tuesday as senior vice president for policy just days after the foundation reversed its decision to largely end its financial support for breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood affiliates amid an uproar.
Ms. Handel, who opposes abortion and called for eliminating government money to Planned Parenthood during her 2010 campaign, was among the organization’s senior leaders who helped persuade Komen’s board to change its
Selasa, 07 Februari 2012
The Consumer: New Weight Watchers Plan Leaves Some Grumbling
Matt Collins
When Janet Holwell first joined Weight Watchers seven years ago, she lost 43 pounds in one year and considered the popular commercial weight-loss plan “miraculous.”
“I felt like I had found the magic key, the secret that eluded me all of these years,” said Ms. Holwell, who has maintained most of her weight loss by continuing to adhere to the program.
But the magic disappeared when Weight Watchers overhauled its weight-loss plan little over a year ago. Under the new system, called Points Plus, Ms. Holwell, has not been able to lose the five pounds she recently
When Janet Holwell first joined Weight Watchers seven years ago, she lost 43 pounds in one year and considered the popular commercial weight-loss plan “miraculous.”
“I felt like I had found the magic key, the secret that eluded me all of these years,” said Ms. Holwell, who has maintained most of her weight loss by continuing to adhere to the program.
But the magic disappeared when Weight Watchers overhauled its weight-loss plan little over a year ago. Under the new system, called Points Plus, Ms. Holwell, has not been able to lose the five pounds she recently
Senin, 06 Februari 2012
Fallout From Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Retraction Is Far and Wide
David Calvert/AP Images, via Associated Press
When scientists reported in 2009 that a little-known mouse retrovirus was present in a large number of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting a possible cause of the condition, the news made international headlines. For patients desperate for answers, many of them severely disabled for years, the finding from an obscure research center, the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease in Reno, Nev., seemed a godsend.
“I remember reading it and going, ‘Bingo, this is it!’ ” said Heidi Bauer, 42, a mother of triplets
When scientists reported in 2009 that a little-known mouse retrovirus was present in a large number of people with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting a possible cause of the condition, the news made international headlines. For patients desperate for answers, many of them severely disabled for years, the finding from an obscure research center, the Whittemore Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease in Reno, Nev., seemed a godsend.
“I remember reading it and going, ‘Bingo, this is it!’ ” said Heidi Bauer, 42, a mother of triplets
Essay: Breast Cancer Screening Matters, but Prevention Is the Real Goal
A decision by the nation’s leading breast cancer advocacy group, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to largely cut off financing for breast cancer screenings at Planned Parenthood set off howls of outrage last week. Once again, it seemed, political gamesmanship was jeopardizing women’s health.
The widespread anger forced Komen to reverse its decision, and it has certainly reinvigorated the women’s health movement. But the furor misses an important fact: Women have been led to believe that screening is the best prevention.
In reality, we still do not know what causes breast cancer, which
The widespread anger forced Komen to reverse its decision, and it has certainly reinvigorated the women’s health movement. But the furor misses an important fact: Women have been led to believe that screening is the best prevention.
In reality, we still do not know what causes breast cancer, which
Sabtu, 04 Februari 2012
Lives: Dazed and Confused
It’s 1976. I am 15 and have been “asked to leave” the progressive private school in Brooklyn Heights I’ve attended since age 4. This is not a surprise. I have been playing hooky all year, hanging out with boys from other neighborhoods, smoking pot every day. My parents wheedle me into another private school. Walking to this new school on the third morning, I stop in a pocket park off Court Street, knowing that if I miss the mandatory morning meeting, I’ll be kicked out. I miss it.
The city is a fantastic playground in 1976, ’77. My best friend and I crash gay discos. We wear our
The city is a fantastic playground in 1976, ’77. My best friend and I crash gay discos. We wear our
Komen Reverses Stance on Planned Parenthood Grants
The nation’s pre-eminent breast cancer advocacy group, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, apologized on Friday for its decision to cut most of its financing to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening and said it would again make Planned Parenthood eligible for those grants.
“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives,” Nancy G. Brinker, Komen’s chief executive, said in a statement posted on the organization’s Web site. The statement added, “We will continue to fund
“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives,” Nancy G. Brinker, Komen’s chief executive, said in a statement posted on the organization’s Web site. The statement added, “We will continue to fund
Jumat, 03 Februari 2012
Komen Breast Cancer Group Reverses Decision That Cut Off Planned Parenthood
The nation’s pre-eminent breast cancer advocacy group, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, apologized on Friday for its decision to cut most of its financing to Planned Parenthood for breast cancer screening and said it would again make Planned Parenthood eligible for those grants.
“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives,” Nancy G. Brinker, Komen’s chief executive, said in a statement posted on the organization’s Web site. The statement added, “We will continue to fund
“We want to apologize to the American public for recent decisions that cast doubt upon our commitment to our mission of saving women’s lives,” Nancy G. Brinker, Komen’s chief executive, said in a statement posted on the organization’s Web site. The statement added, “We will continue to fund
Well: Today's Teens Better Behaved Than Their Parents
Illustration by O.O.P.S.
This column appears in the Feb. 5 issue of The New York Times Magazine.
Every few years, parents find new reasons to worry about their teenagers. And while there is no question that some kids continue to experiment with sex and substance abuse, the latest data point to something perhaps more surprising: the current generation is, well, a bit boring when it comes to bad behavior.
By several noteworthy measures, today’s teenagers are growing increasingly conservative. While marijuana use has recently had an uptick, teenagers are smoking far less pot than their
This column appears in the Feb. 5 issue of The New York Times Magazine.
Every few years, parents find new reasons to worry about their teenagers. And while there is no question that some kids continue to experiment with sex and substance abuse, the latest data point to something perhaps more surprising: the current generation is, well, a bit boring when it comes to bad behavior.
By several noteworthy measures, today’s teenagers are growing increasingly conservative. While marijuana use has recently had an uptick, teenagers are smoking far less pot than their
Kamis, 02 Februari 2012
Maine girl bouncing back after 6-organ transplant
HOLLIS, Maine (AP) — A 9-year-old Maine girl is home from a Boston hospital healthy, active and with high hopes — and a new stomach, liver, spleen, small intestine, pancreas, and part of an esophagus to replace the ones that were being choked by a huge tumor.
It's believed to be the first-ever transplant of an esophagus and the largest number of organs transplanted at one time in New England.
Spunky and bright-eyed as she scampered around her family's farmhouse outside Portland, Alannah Shevenell said Thursday that she's glad to be feeling well again and able to go sledding, make a
It's believed to be the first-ever transplant of an esophagus and the largest number of organs transplanted at one time in New England.
Spunky and bright-eyed as she scampered around her family's farmhouse outside Portland, Alannah Shevenell said Thursday that she's glad to be feeling well again and able to go sledding, make a
Mass hysteria rare, but usually seen in girls
ATLANTA (AP) — Fifteen teenage girls report a mysterious outbreak of spasms, tics and seizures in upstate New York. But tests find nothing physically wrong.
Scores of adults in Northern California report crawling skin sensations and other bizarre symptoms. Government doctors find no physical cause after an extensive study.
The conclusion by experts is that these are just the latest examples of what used to be called mass hysteria. Now known as conversion disorder, sufferers experience real, but psychologically triggered symptoms.
It's rare, but scores or even hundreds of outbreaks have
Scores of adults in Northern California report crawling skin sensations and other bizarre symptoms. Government doctors find no physical cause after an extensive study.
The conclusion by experts is that these are just the latest examples of what used to be called mass hysteria. Now known as conversion disorder, sufferers experience real, but psychologically triggered symptoms.
It's rare, but scores or even hundreds of outbreaks have
Rabu, 01 Februari 2012
New European pill works against uterine fibroids
NEW YORK (AP) — New research offers hope for the first pill to treat a common problem in young women: fibroids in the uterus. The growths can cause pain, heavy bleeding and fertility problems, and they are the leading cause of hysterectomies.
In two studies, a lower dose of a "morning after" contraceptive pill stopped the bleeding and shrank the fibroids. It worked as well as shots of a hormone-blocking drug that has unpleasant side effects.
"This is very, very good news. The results are better than we expected," said research leader Dr. Jacques Donnez, of Saint-Luc hospital at the
In two studies, a lower dose of a "morning after" contraceptive pill stopped the bleeding and shrank the fibroids. It worked as well as shots of a hormone-blocking drug that has unpleasant side effects.
"This is very, very good news. The results are better than we expected," said research leader Dr. Jacques Donnez, of Saint-Luc hospital at the
Alzheimer’s Spreads in the Brain Like a Virus, Studies Find
Alzheimer’s disease seems to spread like an infection from brain cell to brain cell, two new studies find. But instead of viruses or bacteria, what is being spread is a distorted protein known as tau.
The surprising finding answers a longstanding question and has immediate implications for developing treatments, researchers said. And, they said, they suspect that other degenerative brain diseases, like Parkinson’s, may spread in the brain in a similar way.
Alzheimer’s researchers have long known that dying, tau-filled cells first emerge in a small area of the brain where memories are
The surprising finding answers a longstanding question and has immediate implications for developing treatments, researchers said. And, they said, they suspect that other degenerative brain diseases, like Parkinson’s, may spread in the brain in a similar way.
Alzheimer’s researchers have long known that dying, tau-filled cells first emerge in a small area of the brain where memories are
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