Lifestyles for WSLS 10

E.C. Glass grad, UVA Med students to research anemia during trip to Africa

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:27:00 EDT

If you go looking for Ben Milam this summer, better check the travel costs before you start. Milam, of Lynchburg, is a University of Virginia medical student selected as a 2008 Global Health Scholar. He’s headed to South Africa for research on anemia.

Study finds Vitamin D may help curb breast cancer

Thu, 15 May 2008 21:01:00 EDT

Breast cancer patients with low levels of vitamin D were much more likely to die of the disease or have it spread than patients getting enough of the nutrient, a study found - adding to evidence the “sunshine vitamin” has anti-cancer benefits

Infant Water Survival Lessons

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:42:00 EDT

Some parents are turning to a new method to prevent their children from drowning.

Shingles shots urged for those 60 and up

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:10:00 EDT

People 60 and older should get a one-time shingles shot that can help prevent the painful rash, U.S. health officials are recommending

Study likely spells end for anti-bleeding drug Trasylol

Wed, 14 May 2008 18:06:00 EDT

An anti-bleeding drug probably will stay off the market, experts say, after a rigorous study found patients getting the medication during heart surgery were much more likely to die than patients given other drugs.

Service Dog Eye Exams

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:39:00 EDT

Veterinary college to offer free eye exams for service dogs

Retired Supreme Court Justice O’Connor makes personal plea for Alzheimer’s research money

Wed, 14 May 2008 15:10:00 EDT

A cause that hits very close to home has brought retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor back to Washington. She’s lobbying for more research and funding for Alzheimer’s disease.

Virginia’s birth-injury fund may only run 20 more years

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The program began losing its financial soundness in the late 1990s as benefits exceeded income from fees paid by doctors, insurers and hospitals and because financial projections underestimated the life spans of program children.

More than half of all insured Americans on chronic medications

Wed, 14 May 2008 12:21:00 EDT

The most widely used drugs are those to lower high blood pressure and cholesterol—problems often linked to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

Ask Karen Tick Season

Tue, 13 May 2008 20:50:00 EDT

Q: What is the best way to remove a tick? Do you need to do anything special once it is removed?

Digitek heart medicine recall

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:17:01 EDT

Patients are being notified about a major heart medicine recall.

Teen exercise protects against breast cancer later in life

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:01:00 EDT

Get your daughters off the couch: New research shows exercise during the teen years - starting as young as age 12 - can help protect girls from breast cancer when they’re grown.

Simple steps can increase activity level

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:16:00 EDT

Only three in 10 Americans get enough exercise, according to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Number of uninsured Virginians is climbing

Tue, 13 May 2008 09:09:00 EDT

More than 1 million Virginians lack health insurance, studies find, and the percentage of Virginians getting health-care coverage through their employers dropped from a high of 70 percent in 1979 to 57 percent in the intervening 26 years.

Digitek Recall

Mon, 12 May 2008 22:04:00 EDT

A major recall has been issued for the heart medicine Digitek.

Vitamins and Supplements

Mon, 12 May 2008 21:56:00 EDT

What works best for one person may not work best for you…

Study: Older brains don’t benefit from painkillers

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:11:00 EDT

Scientists have speculated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Aleve and Celebrex, might prevent Alzheimer’s by reducing inflammation in the brain or by other means. The drugs showed no benefit on thinking skills, new findings show.

Is senior care in your future?

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:07:01 EDT

Several factors determine when it’s time to sell the car, stop cooking and move into a skilled nursing facility or adult living center.

Emily, Jacob most popular baby names

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

Only one name — Elizabeth — is new to the top-10 list, returning after a two-year absence. Biblical names continued to dominate the boys’ list.

Families will make case for vaccine link to autism

Mon, 12 May 2008 09:35:00 EDT

Attorneys for the boys will attempt to show the boys were happy, healthy and developing normally — but, after being exposed to vaccines with thimerosal, they began to regress.

“Women’s Night Out” to support Breast and Cervical cancer awareness

Sun, 11 May 2008 01:52:00 EDT

The American Cancer Society’s New River Valley Breast Health Team is hosting a “Women’s Night Out.” This fun and informative event will be held on Monday, May 12, 5-7 pm, in the Cascades Room at the Giles Memorial Hospital. Women of all ages may enjoy light refreshments, free gifts, music, and a variety of activities.

National Women’s Health Week

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:29:00 EDT

It’s your time: Get inspired. Get Healthy.

FDA approves 1st generic version of Requip for Restless Leg Syndrome

Fri, 09 May 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic versions of Requip (ropinirole hydrochloride) tablets for the treatment of moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome.

Preliminary tests show no rare brain disease in Virginia woman who died at Portsmouth Hospital

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:02:00 EDT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says testing of Aretha Vinson’s brain tissue showed that she didn’t die of a variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The illness has been associated with mad-cow disease.

Wythe County Relay for Life exceeds goal

Wed, 07 May 2008 12:23:00 EDT

While this past weekend’s total is not yet final, proceeds topped $192,254. The local goal for the 2008 Relay for Life was $170,000.

Healthy Grilling

Tue, 06 May 2008 16:18:00 EDT

New research finds we should be more selective about what we grill…

Hoarding behavior is obsession and compulsion

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:50:00 EDT

Many of us laugh about our tendency to collect clutter and call ourselves pack rats. But pack rats don’t let their clutter interfere with their lives. They don’t feel secretive or ashamed about the stuff they save.

Women taking aggressive, pre-emptive action against breast cancer

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:13:00 EDT

Lisa Crawford is part of a new generation of women with breast cancer who are taking aggressive action — and in many cases, making difficult decisions — to control their destinies.

Healthy Mother’s Day gift ideas

Mon, 05 May 2008 13:05:00 EDT

A few gift ideas to nudge your mother toward a better diet, a more interesting workout or a little less stress.

Wal-mart’s Cheaper Prescription Options

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:49:00 EDT

Wal-mart will offer some prescriptions for $10/90-day supply.

Survey shows how kids are affected by allergies

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:27:00 EDT

Pollen, grass and mold wreak havoc on 17 percent of the nation’s adults and children, especially in the spring. A recent nationwide survey shows just how significantly these youngsters’ quality of life is affected.

Avoiding health insurance headaches

Thu, 01 May 2008 18:03:00 EDT

Sometimes benefits fall into a gray area it’s not black it’s not white.

FDA adds new warning to Enbrel

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:30:00 EDT

Amgen and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals informed healthcare professionals of revisions to prescribing information for Enbrel. The revisions include a BOXED WARNING about infections, including serious infections leading to hospitalization or death that have been observed in patients treated with Enbrel

Man sets high athletic pace with new lungs

Thu, 01 May 2008 05:23:00 EDT

“In terms of his athleticism, his training, it’s remarkable. It’s not unique, but it’s remarkable how far he’s come and how motivated he is,” Dr. Mark Robbins said.

Cost of nursing homes up for 5th straight year

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:51:00 EDT

Costs for nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and some in-home care services have increased for a fifth consecutive year in Virginia and nationally, a new study indicates.

Summit to focus on child safety in Lynchburg May 12th

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:46:00 EDT

In Virginia, more children and adolescents die from accidents or injury than from any other cause. A Childhood Safety Summit on May 12, sponsored by the Central Virginia Health District, will look at why those deaths happen and what the community can do.

Free breast cancer program at Virginia Baptist Hospital Friday

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:29:00 EDT

A showcase of the Witness Project, a breast and cervical cancer education program, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in the Craddock Auditorium of Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital on Rivermont Avenue.

Ask Karen: Bulb Concerns

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:35:00 EDT

...I have heard nothing but hype on the new smaller better light bulbs you buy to replace the ones we usually use that will save money and energy…

New medical center will focus on sexual health

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:01:00 EDT

Centra will open a multi-specialty Center for Sexual Health and Intimacy on June 1st. The center, in Suite 203 of the Oak Vassar Building behind Virginia Baptist Hospital, will include urology, gynecology, clinical psychology, physical therapy and nurse-specialists.

Centra to break ground on new heart center in Moneta

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 12:46:01 EDT

The medical office will be called “The Cardiovascular Group of Centra Stroobants Heart Center in Moneta.” The company hopes to open it this fall.

Electronic prescriptions give frustration the slip

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:51:00 EDT

Physicians increasingly are using electronic prescriptions: They send the prescription via computer from the office to your pharmacy at the time of your appointment. There’s no little slip of paper to lose, no handwriting to decipher, and, theoretically, less delay in getting your medication.

Bertek and Digitek tablets recalled

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:34:00 EDT

The voluntary all lot recall is due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may have been commercially released. These tablets may contain twice the approved level of active ingredient than it appropriate.

Digitek® is used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The existence of double strength tablets poses a risk of digitalis toxicity in patients with renal failure. Digitalis toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low blood pressure, cardiac instability and bradycardia. Death can also result from excessive Digitalis intake. Several reports of illnesses and injuries have been received.

Girl bullying isn’t a new story

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:06:00 EDT

Tortured relationships among girls can fascinate and alarm.

Roanoke Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:10:01 EDT

Some may take a trip to the dentist for granted but for many people in our area it is a luxury.

As more girls play sports, more hurt knees

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:17:00 EDT

The ACL is one of four major ligaments found within the knee and plays an enormous role in preventing hyperextension and providing stability.

VT Equine medical center offers new ophthalmology service for horses

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:44:00 EDT

Virginia Tech’s Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center is has added an ophthalmology service through an alliance with Scottsdale, Ariz., based Eye Care for Animals.

Ask Karen: Spine surgery

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:47:01 EDT

Q: My husband has had an MRI and it indicates that he has Spinal Stenosis in the lumbar region of his spine.

FDA clears glove made from new type of latex

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:24:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared for marketing the first device made from a new form of natural rubber latex, guayule latex. The product, the Yulex Patient Examination Glove, is derived from the guayule bush, a desert plant native to the Southwestern United States.

Joint solution: Injury prevention must begin at early age

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:39:00 EDT

Several recent studies published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrate risks to ACL tears can be reduced greatly through the use of preventative training.
Click here to watch the video.

ADHD Medications and Heart Disease in Children

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:41:00 EDT

New recommendations about ADHD medicine and sudden death in children may leave many of you with questions.

FDA Approves Cimzia to Treat Crohn’s Disease

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 14:10:00 EDT

A new drug has been approved to help sufferers of Crohn’s disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today. Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) received approval for adults with moderate to severe Crohn’s disease who have not responded to conventional therapies. This product was approved with a Medication Guide.

FDA approves first compact heart assist device

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:11:00 EDT

Heart assist devices are surgically implanted mechanical pumps that help the heart’s ventricle do its work of pumping blood to the rest of the body. Previous models were too large to be placed in the upper abdomen of some women and small-sized men. But the Thoratec HeartMate II Left Ventricular Assist System employs a first-of-a-kind design.

Longwood University researchers looking at Wii and arthritis

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:07:00 EDT

Three Longwood University researchers are trying to determine if Nintendo’s Wii video game system can help older adults with arthritis

People turn to tai chi for health benefits

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:14:00 EDT

The idea is that tai chi, through its movements and breathing, massages the internal organs and aids in the exchange of gases in the lungs. It’s believed tai chi also helps digestion, flexibility, balance and creates calmness.

Virginia Tech’s Schiffert Health Center receives $1 million gift

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EDT

Virginia Tech’s Division of Student Affairs has received a $1 million gif from Dr. Charles W. Schiffertt which will be used to advance health education that its donor established more than 30 years ago.

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine fully accredited

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:50:00 EDT

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Council on Education awarded full accreditation to the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech

Southside group gets grant to improve health care quality

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:12:00 EDT

Piedmont Access to Health Services Inc. (PATHS) has been awarded a $48,000 grant from the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County to improve the health care quality of local residents.

New drug card lowers prescription costs

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:52:00 EDT

Virginia residents can sign up for a discount card endorsed by the Greater Richmond Chamber that reduces prescription drug prices from 10 percent to 75 percent.

Allergy alert recall on “S’morestick Kits” sold by Grand Carnival LLC

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:48:00 EDT

The recalled “S’morestick Kits” were in limited distribution to Garden Ridge retail stores located in TX, KY, MO, TN, OK, NC, FL, SC, GA, IL, OH, VA, AR, MI, and IN, and bear the “Use By” date of “2/14/09”.

Local Biggest Loser Drops 85 Pounds

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:39:00 EDT

Jeff Porter won a local fitness competition by losing 52 lbs in 10 weeks, and he did not stop there. He continues to work out hard and eat healthy, and his ultimate goal is to weigh 220 lbs.

Ask Karen: Aspartame dangers

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 20:56:00 EDT

I have condensed this week’s question because it was in e-mail form asking about an e-mail going around regarding Aspartame and possible dangers associated with it.

Gluten-free options are increasing

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:32:00 EDT

For people who can’t digest wheat, rye and barley, socializing and eating out in a gluten-filled world is tricky. It helps that awareness of celiac disease is growing and food manufacturers are responding to growing demand for gluten-free items.

Herbal Science International, Inc. recalls dietary herbal supplements

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:16:00 EDT

Herbal Science International, Inc. and FDA informed consumers and healthcare professionals of a nationwide recall of twelve dietary supplements that contain ephedra, aristolochic acid or human placenta because they may present a serious health hazard to consumers

UVA to warn parents of mental illness signs in students

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EDT

Under a policy approved Saturday, the University of Virginia may notify a student’s parents if their child has mental illness and is deemed a danger to himself or others.

Neti Pot Potential

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:18:01 EDT

Could a neti pot clear your sinuses?

U.Va. doctor shares secrets to aging well

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:37:00 EDT

“Aging is a lot like a ski lift. Our genetics will get us to the top of the hill, but it’s up to us to decide how we want to go down - fast and dangerous and quick or slow and steady,” Dr. Mark E. Williams told an audience at a public conference sponsored by the Aging In Place Business Roundtable and UVa Senior Services on Thursday.

Women’s Safety Class

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:38:00 EDT

The Bradley Free Clinic is hosting a free women’s safety class.

FDA recalls Parkinson’s treatment Neupro

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:20:00 EDT

Schwarz Pharma informed healthcare professionals and patients of the recall of Neupro, a transdermal delivery system worn on the skin and used to treat early stage Parkinson’s disease. The product is being recalled because of the formation of rotigotine crystals in the patches.

Ask Karen: Flu shots for babies

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:47:00 EDT

Q: Please read the interview at the above link with a vaccine researcher before you recommend giving flu shots to six month old babies…

FDA triples count of death reports linked to tainted heparin

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 17:25:01 EDT

That doesn’t mean people are still dying - the latest deaths the FDA knows of occurred in February, the month Baxter International recalled contaminated batches.

Meth Side Effects

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:47:00 EDT

10 On Your Side information about how you may be able to spot the signs of meth abuse.

More About MRSA

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:33:00 EDT

Doctors at Louisiana’s McNeese State University say there is a protein in alligator blood that could provide new antibiotics.

Aging Boombers find arthritis a real pain

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:00:01 EDT

The American College of Rheumatology recently announced that by 2030, the overall number of diagnosed cases of arthritis will jump 40 percent, to 67 million, as boomers join the senior citizen ranks.

Community News: Campbell County rabies clinic April 19th

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 17:11:00 EDT

A rabies clinic will be held on April 19, 2008, at the Campbell County Animal Care and Control Facility, adjacent to Yellow Branch Elementary School, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Virginia Medical Examiner’s report finds mental health problems common in suicides

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:32:00 EDT

More than half of Virginia’s suicide victims suffer from mental health problems, according to a new report compiled by the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

GlaxoSmithKline changes warnings about Relenza

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:40:00 EDT

GlaxoSmithKline informed healthcare professionals of changes to the WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS sections of prescribing information for Relenza regarding information from postmarketing reports (mostly from Japan) of delirium and abnormal behavior leading to injury in patients with influenza who are receiving neuraminidase inhibitors, including Relenza. These events were reported primarily among pediatric patients and often had an abrupt onset and rapid resolution

Virginia ranks fourth in U.S. on health dollars recieved per person

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:08:00 EDT

Virginia ranks fourth among states in public-health dollars received per resident from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a new report.

Covidien Initiates Voluntary Recall of Pre-Filled Syringes Containing Heparin

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:27:00 EDT

Covidien, formerly Tyco Healthcare, was recently notified by its supplier, Scientific Protein Laboratories LLC (SPL), of a nation-wide recall of Heparin Sodium USP active pharmaceutical ingredient. The voluntary recall affects the following 32 lots manufactured and distributed by Covidien in the United States

Organ Donors Needed

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:51:00 EDT

Getting the word out about the need for organ donors in Virginia

Virginia health care gets average grade in national ranking

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:24:00 EDT

The rankings are in a federal government analysis of health care data for each state. The 2007 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Reports was compiled by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Brain tumor research at Virginia Tech

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:39:00 EDT

A Virginia Tech doctor is part of a major study on brain tumors.

UVA ready to break ground on new cancer center

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:21:00 EDT

Construction is set to begin April 12 on the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. The 150,000-square-foot building will consolidate all elements of UVa’s cancer treatment arsenal.

NRV BabyCare program

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:27:00 EDT

Public Health Nurses provide care coordination services to promote the best possible health for pregnant women and their babies in the New River Health District. If you are pregnant or have a child less than two years of age, you may be eligible

Fight Back Against Heart Attacks

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:19:00 EDT

Delays in heart treatment can be deadly...call 911 immediately.

Vinton to host its first “Relay for Life”

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Vinton will host it’s own Relay for Life on April 18th

Art for the Cure

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:49:00 EDT

Follow the link to read our Lynchburg newsroom’s full story on the Lynchburg News & Advance website.

Nutrition Tracking Website

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:19:00 EDT

You can use this website to track your calorie intake, exercise, and what you need to do to maintain or lose weight.

FDA makes recommendations on drug coated stents

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:59:00 EDT

Each year in the United States, approximately one million patients undergo procedures to treat coronary atherosclerosis, also known as hardening or blockages of the heart arteries, a condition that can cause angina and heart attacks.

Some 650,000 of these patients are treated with drug-eluting stents.

Ask Karen: Relay For Life

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:57:00 EDT

Q: I am now breast cancer free as of last week…

Ferrum College to host 5th annual Relay for Life April 4th

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:52:00 EDT

Ferrum College to host 5th annual Relay for Life April 4th

“Girls on the Run”

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:40:00 EDT

A program that’s offered to preteen girls across much of the country is getting more popular in our area and for the first time the spring 5K is open to the public.

Money for health research hits wall: Scientists at UVA and nationwide worried

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Funding for NIH has remained stagnant over the past five years. As a result, researchers are finding it increasingly tough to win grants for cutting-edge research and many ongoing projects are being reduced in scope.

Floyd Health Center

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:20:01 EDT

A new non-profit health center opens Monday in a local community

Adult Vaccines

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:44:00 EDT

Ten On Your Side Health Team checks into what you need to know about adult vaccines…

Local Home For Teenage Girls

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:40:01 EDT

A new home for troubled teenage girls, will soon be available for families in our area.

Study: Good marriage equals good blood pressure

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 11:38:00 EDT

Analysis found that the more marital satisfaction and adjustment spouses reported, the lower their average blood pressure was over the 24 hours and during the daytime.

Study finds surgery patients more likely to have problems if they receive older blood transfusions

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:23:00 EDT

Although not the final word, the study underscores concerns that blood deteriorates with age and that rules allowing blood to be stored for six weeks may pose a safety risk, at least for certain patients.

Prostate Cancer study details quality-of-life side effects

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:22:00 EDT

One of the first large quality-of-life studies on today’s prostate cancer treatments suggests that for some men, it’s a matter of picking your poison and facing potential sexual, urinary, or other problems.

FDA Approves new medical adhesive to treat burn patients

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:14:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new medical adhesive (a fibrin sealant) called Artiss for use in attaching skin grafts onto burn patients

UVA Researchers: don’t remove gear of injured young football players

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:58:00 EDT

When younger players are injured playing football, emergency medical technicians should not remove the player’s helmet and shoulder pads, according to new research from the University of Virginia Health System.