Health

UK Sees Surge In Measles Cases

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More than a decade ago, British parents refused to give measles shots to at least a million children because of a vaccine scare that raised the specter of autism. Now, health officials are scrambling to catch up and stop a growing epidemic of the contagious disease.

Fever-Reducing Drugs Don't Slow Children's Recovery

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A review of past research finds that fever-reducing drugs have no effect on the speed of children's recovery from an infection, contrary to the fears of some doctors and parents.

Organic Food Industry Gains Influence

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The organic food industry is gaining influence on Capitol Hill, prompted by its entry into traditional farm states and by increasing consumer demand.

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African-American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those who lived further away from fast food, according to researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and this association was particularly strong among those with a lower income.

People With High Blood Pressure May Crave Salt

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High-salt diets have long been linked to high blood pressure, but new research finds that those with the condition may have a far greater preference for salty foods than those with normal blood pressure.

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Most Americans should consume less salt, but too little salt can also cause health problems for some, a new report says.

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Just one meal often provides most of the daily recommended amounts, encouraging obesity

Antibiotics May Relieve Back Pain Symptoms

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Taking antibiotics could relieve symptoms of chronic lower back pain for up to 40% of people, according to a new study.

Wrigley Pulls New Caffeinated Gum for Now

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A Food and Drug Administration investigation into the safety of caffeine-added foods has prompted Wrigley to take its new caffeinated gum off the market for the time being.

Everyday Noise Levels May Affect the Heart

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Even not-so-loud sounds seemed to raise people's heart rate in small study

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Vegetables that contain nicotine may offer some protection, research suggests

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Researchers found young children under five with mothers aged 40 and over were less likely to suffer a scald in the home, often caused by children reaching to grab boiling saucepans, than those born to teenage parents.

Health a New Priority In Rap After Recent Deaths

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Hip-hop may need a checkup.

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Black Americans may be at higher risk for multiple sclerosis than whites, according to study findings that contradict a widely held belief that blacks are less likely to develop the neurological disease.

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It's a chemical that's been in U.S. households for more than 40 years, from the body wash in your bathroom shower to the knives on your kitchen counter to the bedding in your baby's basinet.

Investigation Studies Caffeine's Impact on Health

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Most people who want a quick caffeine fix look for it in liquid form. But lately it has become increasingly easy to find foods that are intentionally laced with it

Women Should Exercise to Prevent Kidney Stone Risk

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Women have another reason to exercise: It may help prevent kidney stones. You don't have to break a sweat or be a super athlete, either. Even walking for a couple hours a week can cut the risk of developing this painful and common problem by about one-third, a large study found.

Lipsticks and Lip Glosses Contain Toxic Metals

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Children should not play with these products, researcher says

Many Americans Don't Know Obamacare Is the Law Now

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A new Kaiser Family Foundation study shows that 42 percent of Americans do not know that the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as "Obamacare," is the law of the land.

Young Men Are Biggest Eaters of Added Sugars

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Sweetened food and beverages are source of too many empty calories, experts say

New Technology Helps Keep Donated Organs 'Alive'

In every medical drama the scene is the same: The surgeon carefully places the delicate organ in a cooler filled with ice and snaps the lid shut. The transplant team then sprints toward the door, hoping to reach its patient in time.

Pictured: The TransMedics Organ Care System is a portable device that allows doctors to keep organs "alive" during transport.

Mediterranean Diet Might Keep Dementia at Bay

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Large study showed better retention of mental skills in seniors who had followed it

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The International Diabetes Federation predicts that at least one out of 10 adults could have diabetes by 2030, according to the latest statistics.

Healthier Ways to Bake Without Butter or Oil

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Whether it's to cut calories, explore new flavors, or just make due with available ingredients, recipe substitutions are an inevitable--and fun!--part of the cooking experience. And after trying dozens and dozens of swaps over the past year or so, we've even come to prefer a few "replacements" to their original counterparts. When it's time to satisfy that sweet tooth, consider these healthier substitutions for baking fats.

Is Exercise the Key to a Healthy Brain?

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Regular physical activity -- even walking -- may be key to maintaining a sharp mind as we get older, two new studies suggest.

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Patients with stronger belief in God did better in small study

Solutions to Ease Your Allergy Discomfort

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Have you noticed what looks like yellow dust all over your car?  That's pollen...which means allergy season is here.  Nearly one-quarter of all Americans suffer from outdoor allergies. If you're one of them, take heart. There are lots of ways you can feel better.

Study Links Obesity to Prostate Cancer

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Men who had a biopsy that didn't find cancer were at raised risk for disease later if they were obese

Tackling Diet, Exercise Together Produces Best Results

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If you have to choose one at a time, hit the gym first, researchers add

Teens Warned Not to Take the Cinnamon Challenge

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Don't take the cinnamon challenge. That's the advice from doctors in a new report about a dangerous prank depicted in popular YouTube videos but which has led to hospitalizations and a surge in calls to U.S. poison centers.

9 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Processed Foods

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Resisting the urge to drink that soda pop or eat those chips can be tough, especially if you have grown accustomed to eating these highly addictive foods as part of your normal diet.

Health Risks of Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion

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An explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, which has so far resulted in the deaths of 15 people, also released large amounts of the toxic gas anhydrous ammonia into the air, Texas officials said late on Wednesday. Anhydrous ammonia, which is often used as a fertilizer, is a colorless gas with a pungent smell that when combined with water in the body, can cause severe burns and dehydration. Exposure to the gas can cause breathing difficulty or suffocation, and officials urged residents to stay indoors.

Survey Shows Food Poisoning on Rise In America

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A crackdown on slaughterhouses has helped cut rates of certain types of food poisoning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday. But other causes of stomach upset are on the rise - a trend that indicates better regulation of meat from hoof to plate is needed, as well as stricter regulation of produce and processed food, the CDC says.

Eating a Typical Western Diet Leads to an Early Death

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The typical Western diet, high in fat and sugar, really does lead to an early grave, new research suggests.

Babies Born Even Slightly Early May Lag Behind

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Women urged to rethink early elective C-sections, inductions unless medically needed

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Study finds regular activity delays physical decline, reduces falls

Another Deadly Disease Strikes Homosexuals

"Gay" sex is becoming even more dangerous.

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Black women were the most likely to gain weight while using a long-acting form of contraception, such as a hormone implant or intrauterine device (IUD), in a small new study.

New Diabetes Drug Expected to Arrive This Week

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A new oral diabetes drug is expected to arrive on pharmacy shelves in the U.S. this week.

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A tiny magnetic bracelet implanted at the base of the throat is greatly improving life for some people with chronic heartburn who need more help than medicine can give them.