baltimoresun.com - Health & Wellness

Crucial vaccine being ignored

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Pneumonia shots not going to all who need them, authorities say

Pneumonia shots not going to all who need them, authorities say

Global upsurge in nearsightedness is perplexing

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A study finds that 17% more Americans have myopia than 30 years ago. Close-up computer work could be a reason.

For an increasing number of Americans, life's a blur.

Overuse of CT scans will lead to new cancer deaths, a study shows

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Each year that today's scanners are used, 14,500 deaths could result, researchers say. When healthy people are exposed to the radiation, the imaging may create more problems than it solves.

Widespread overuse of CT scans and variations in radiation doses caused by different machines -- operated by technicians following an array of procedures -- are subjecting patients to high radiation doses that will ultimately lead to tens of thousands of new cancer cases and deaths, researchers reported today.

Window blinds recalled because of strangulation hazard

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:48:23 -0500

Teen drug use survey seen as 'warning sign'

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

'When beliefs soften, drug use worsens,' says Obama's drug czar, Gil Kerlikowske, referring to a study that shows fewer teens believe use of marijuana, inhalants, LSD and Ecstasy is risky.

The federal government's annual report of kids’ alcohol and drug abuse seems reassuring: Compared with earlier in the decade, use of hallucinogens was down in 2008, marijuana use was way down, and use of methamphetamines was way, way down.

Colorado man settles some claims in 'popcorn lung' lawsuit against flavor company

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:34:00 -0500

DENVER (AP) — A suburban Denver man believed to be the only consumer to develop "popcorn lung" from regularly eating microwave popcorn and its artificial butter flavoring has settled his claims against a flavor developer.

For many, benefits from health care legislation are years away

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Proposals delay coverage of pre-existing conditions, subsidies

Susan Getka left her job 18 months ago to care for her elderly father and mentally ill brother. Her sacrifice came at a cost: She was unable to buy health insurance from private insurers because she had a pre-existing condition, a heart valve disorder.

Fifth disease: virus usually associated with children

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Expert advice

When is a cold not a cold? The answer could be when it is fifth disease, according to Dr. John Cmar, an infectious disease specialist at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Even if you've never heard of this virus, chances are good that you have been - or will be - exposed to it, often without even knowing it. More than 70 percent of adults have had it at some time during their lives.

Fitness items that are worth giving

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Recommended: JadeYoga mats, Speedo Hydro Resistant Arm and Leg Trainers, REI Shuksan jacket, Petzl e+LITE, Lululemon Athletica's Brisk Arm Warmers and Swiftly Tech T-shirts.

Writing about fitness, we see a lot of gear, clothing and gadgets -- some useful, some fun and some downright weird. So take our advice: When choosing a gift for a loved one this season, think practicality with a dash of indulgence. That doesn't mean said gift has to break the bank, but it should be more exciting than a basic cotton T-shirt or moisture-wicking socks. Here are our picks for some fitness-themed holiday gifts:

A prescription for snooping

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Drug companies defend the practice of mining data from pharmacies and insurers, but others are alarmed.

When your doctor writes you a prescription, that's just between you, your doctor and maybe your health insurance company -- right?