BCBS Health & Wellness News

Vigorous Exercise Might Keep Psoriasis at Bay

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But only intense activities seemed to lower risk in large study of women

Sleep Apnea Linked to Higher Cancer Death Risk

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cancer compensates, spreads in search for oxygen, researcher suggests

Dieting May Lower Hormone Levels Tied to Breast Cancer

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study didn't prove that weight loss lowers risk, but it did cut estrogen, which may help older women

New Blood Thinner May Lower Chances of Clots in High-Risk Heart Patients: FDA

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Agency's advisory panel to vote on whether Xarelto should be approved for treating acute coronary syndrome

'Bad' Fat May Hurt Brain Function Over Time

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But researchers report that 'good' fat may help preserve thinking and memory

Gene Tests May Not Drive Patients to More Medical Care

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Knowing personal risks for certain diseases doesn't seem to spur health care overuse, study finds

Melanoma a Big Threat to Older Men

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

They're less likely than women to take sun precautions and check for growths, survey results show

Test Baby Boomers for Hepatitis C, Says CDC

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Undetected disease can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, agency notes

Paralyzed Patients Use Mind to Move Robotic Arm

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But there's a long way to go to make this approach practical, experts say

CDC Lowers Lead-Poisoning Threshold for Kids

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cutting the safe blood level of the metal in children is long overdue, advocates say

Blacks, Hispanics Have Higher Colon Polyp Risk Than Previously Thought

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Their rate of the precancerous colon growths was higher than that of whites, study finds

Plavix's New Generic Status Could Be Boon for Patients

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Price of widely used blood thinner should drop once patent ends Thursday

Doctors Restore Some Hand Function to Quadriplegic Patient

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Location of spinal cord damage allowed surgeons to bypass damaged nerve in arm

Back Pain Therapy Often Yields Early Benefits: Study

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Improvements seen at 6 weeks, but then taper off over year, researchers find

FDA Issues Multiple Sclerosis Drug Alert

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Heart risks spur warning about Gilenya

'Self-Managing' COPD Might Pose Risks, Study Suggests

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

People getting comprehensive education had higher death risk, researchers found

Does Your Child Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?

Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Expert describes how parents can tell the difference

Older People With Dementia Cared for Mostly at Home

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study challenges assumption that most patients die in nursing homes

Induced Labor Late in Pregnancy Has Pros, Cons

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study found strategy could cut infant deaths, but raise number of babies requiring intensive care

Statins May Help Prevent Irregular Heartbeat in Elderly

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cholesterol-lowering drugs cut risk of atrial fibrillation in people with high blood pressure, early study found

Blood Clot Risk Linked to Some Non-Pill Contraceptives

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Women using hormone-releasing skin patches, implants, vaginal rings were more likely to develop clots, study finds

Probiotic Products May Prevent Antibiotic-Linked Diarrhea

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study suggests microbes in special yogurts, other foods may help common complaint

Irregular Heartbeat Poses Greater Stroke Risk for Women Than Men

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study found that the higher odds remained even when women took blood thinner

Kids Most Likely to Start Abusing Painkillers at 16: Study

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Prevention efforts that begin later are 'too little, too late,' researchers say

For Healthier Eating, Keep Fruits, Veggies Within Reach

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study involving college students found proximity mattered

Doctors Urge Routine Skin Screenings

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

20% of Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, experts warn

Germs Behind Urinary Tract Infections Becoming More Resistant to Drugs

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Common antibiotics are not as effective as they used to be, researchers warn

Older Lung Cancer Patients Less Likely to Be Treated

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers say doctors shouldn't be so quick to write off older people

Psychiatric Patients Often Wait Nearly 12 Hours in ER

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Older, uninsured and intoxicated patients wait even longer, study finds

Mammograms Beat Thermography for Breast Cancer Detection: Study

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Newer technology missed half of tumors and yielded many false positives, researchers say

More Teen Girls Using Contraceptives: CDC

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Increased use may have contributed to drop in teen births, researcher says

New Clues to the Evolution of the Human Brain

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Gene event 2.5 million years ago may explain why humans are smarter than great apes, researchers say

Joggers Live Longer, Study Says

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Slow pace best for longevity, researchers report

Why You Overeat Even When You're Full

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Small study explores how body reacts when aroused by tempting treats

In Some Brain Bleeds, Patients Do Better at High-Volume Hospitals

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Guidelines for treating 'aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage' revised

Who's the Dad? First-Trimester Blood Test May Tell

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

New, noninvasive method safer than current ones, developer says

Lower-Dose Radioiodine Effective Against Thyroid Cancer

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Patients may be able to skip high doses of radiation, painful thyroid hormone withdrawal, studies find

Less Invasive Heart Valve Replacement Works for Elderly: Study

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Real-world results promising for high-risk aortic stenosis patients, researchers say

Women Can Waive Test Before Incontinence Surgery: Study

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers found similar success rates whether or not patients got the expensive evaluation

Fish Oil Doesn't Cut Failure Rate of Hemodialysis Grafts

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

However, kidney patients taking fish-oil supplements had fewer problems with clots, study says

Arthritis in Children Linked to Infections

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Limiting steroids when possible may help to lower infection risk, researchers say

Women More Likely to Survive Melanoma Than Men: Study

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Analysis found female patients had a 30% survival advantage

Insecticide Linked to Brain Abnormalities in Kids

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But study doesn't prove exposure caused the differences

Anxiety, Depression Often Go Hand-in-Hand With Arthritis

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Mental health screening, treatment could improve quality of life for these patients, report suggests

Having Kids Doesn't Inspire Adults to Eat Healthier: Study

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But at least new parents' diets didn't get worse, researchers say

Exercise Twice a Day Vital for Your Dog's Health, Expert Says

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Owners urged to encourage activity suitable for breed, fitness level of their pet

Two-Drug Therapy Helped Kids With Type 2 Diabetes

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But best combination of meds for young patients still isn't known, experts say

Cellphones, Texting Put Teen Drivers in Danger, Studies Show

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

One study -- using car simulators -- indicates phone use hazardous no matter where it's held

Vitamin D May Affect Lung Transplant Success

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Vitamin deficiency associated with higher rates of rejection, infection and death, study shows

Rate of Statin-Linked Muscle Woes Unclear, Study Suggests

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Coding used by health professionals to report problems may not show true picture

Taking Away Car Keys Can Be Tough for Older Drivers

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

For some, the end of driving triggers depression, anxiety, loneliness, expert says

Health Highlights: April 26, 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

No Evidence Cellphones Cause Brain Tumors: Experts
Measures to Prevent Spread of Mad Cow Disease are Effective: FDA
Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care

Health Tip: Dealing With Stress

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Don't avoid challenges

Healthy Behaviors Extend Life After Cancer, Experts Say

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Eating well, exercising and maintaining normal weight boost survival, American Cancer Society finds

Preventable Injuries Sideline One-Third of Young Athletes

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Survey of parents, kids, coaches finds knowledge gaps about sports safety

Fatigue Not a Factor in Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Says

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Lack of sleep did not predict intensity, duration of discomfort with the disorder

Health Highlights: April 25, 2012

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California
Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care
Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer
Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study

Low-Radiation CT Scans Effective at Spotting Appendicitis: Study

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Approach cuts cancer risk without raising number of unnecessary surgeries

Poor Sleep Heightens 'Ringing Ear' Disease Symptoms: Study

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Patients with both tinnitus and insomnia have more emotional distress, researchers say

Health Tip: When Seniors Are Malnourished

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Symptoms may include lack of energy

Air Quality Improving in Many U.S. Cities: Report

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Even Los Angeles showed lowest smog levels in more than a decade, data found

Dark Chocolate May Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study says it reduces levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol levels

Study Explores Fish Oil's Healthy Effect on Heart

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers rule out one possible explanation

Botox Offers Little Relief for Migraine, Study Finds

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Evidence review sees only modest benefit for chronic headaches

Health Highlights: April 24, 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Case of Mad Cow Disease Discovered in California
Report Challenges VA Claims on Speed of Mental Health Care
Teens Getting Drunk on Hand Sanitizer
Meds Helping Many Overweight Americans Control Cholesterol: Study

Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines Often Not Followed: Study

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Many older men still get unnecessary PSA tests, researchers report

'Ice Cream Headaches' Might Offer Clues to Migraines

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Cold-induced 'brain freeze' seems linked to expansion of a key brain artery, small study finds

Close Laundry Detergent Right After Use, Expert Says

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Open containers can be hazardous to children, pets

Health Highlights: April 20, 2012

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

160 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak
U.S. Women Trail Men in Life Span Gains: Study
Vietnam Seeks Help With Mystery Illness That's Killed 19
Health Care Disparities Persist for U.S. Minority Groups: Report
Gulf Seafood Safe to Eat: FDA
U.S. Team Heads to Everest to Study Effects of High Altitude
Starbucks Eliminating Bug-based Dye From Products

Value of Metformin, Insulin Combo for Type 2 Diabetes Questioned

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Danish analysis suggests that long-term benefit for patients is unclear

Men More Prone to Complications After Brain, Spine Surgery

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

They also spend longer in the hospital after neurosurgery, study finds

Early Use of MS Drug May Cut Likelihood of Progression

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study found fewer people given 'interferon beta-1a' early moved on to definitive diagnosis

Scoliosis Treatment Might Reduce Need for Surgeries

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

In small study, children with the spinal condition avoided repeat procedures

Health Highlights: April 19, 2012

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

1 in 4 U.S. Adults Lacked Health Insurance Last Year: Survey
Study Raises Hopes for Cerebral Palsy Breakthrough
Veterans Affairs Increases Mental Health Staffing
Entertainment Legend Dick Clark Dies at 82
Breast Cancer 10 Different Diseases: Study

Exercise May Help Patients With High Blood Pressure Live Longer

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Large study from Taiwan found inactive people fared worse at all blood-pressure levels

Diabetes Groups Issue New Guidelines on Blood Sugar

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Type 2 illness can't be treated with one-size-fits-all approach, new recommendations advise

No Proof That Gum Disease Causes Heart Disease, Experts Say

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But conditions share common risk factors, and neither should be neglected

Health Highlights: April 18, 2012

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Entertainment Legend Dick Clark Dies at 82
Breast Cancer 10 Different Diseases: Study
J&J Says Some Popular OTC Drugs May Not be Sold Again Until 2013
Scientists Grow Hair on Bald Mice
141 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak

Everyday Activities Might Lower Alzheimer's Risk

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study finds association for more active elderly, even without formal exercise

Experimental Gel May Help Those With Advanced Parkinson's

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Infused treatment of standard drugs appeared better than pills for stabilizing 'off' time, researchers report

Optimism Might Cut Your Risk for Heart Attack

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Large review also found positive people less likely to suffer stroke

Health Tip: Avoid Asthma Triggers

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Including things that make you sneeze

Health Highlights: April 17, 2012

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

141 Now Sickened in Tuna-Linked Salmonella Outbreak
New Prostate Cancer Treatment Causes Fewer Side Effects: Study
Calming Technique Eases Infants' Vaccination Pain

Brain Tumor Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study found it added weeks of survival for patients with glioblastoma

Testosterone Supplements Might Help Patients With Heart Failure

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Small studies found benefits for patients' fitness, ability to exercise

Surgery Rates Rising for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Study

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Use of a particular procedure may be driving the trend

Health Highlights: April 16, 2012

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Calming Technique Eases Infants' Vaccination Pain
Salmonella Outbreak in 20 States Linked to Tuna
U.S. Nursing Homes' Disaster Plans Fall Short: Report

Steroids May Help Some With Sciatica

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But study found they were not significantly better in the long run than Enbrel or anesthetic

Dissolvable Heart Artery Stents Appear Safe in Study

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Biodegradable stents might lower risk of heart attack, Japanese researchers suggest

Experimental Pill for Multiple Sclerosis Shows Promise

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But side effects involved heart, liver, and more long-term study is needed, experts said

Obesity's Health Costs Double Earlier Estimates

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Total reaches nearly 21% of U.S. health care spending, study says

Health Tip: Consider These Diabetes 'Superfoods'

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Offerings that should meld well with a diabetic's meal plan

Over-the-Counter Bug Bite Remedies Don't Work: Report

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Mild reactions might not call for tablets or creams

Health Tip: Keep the Weight Off

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Avoid sauces, gravies and fattening dressings

Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects May Last for Years

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Study finds lingering pain, swelling, fatigue, mobility problems in many women

Study Shows New Option for Kids With Tough-to-Treat Leukemia

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Some cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia may not require bone marrow transplant, researchers say

Huntington's Disease Linked to Reduced Cancer Risk in Study

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Findings suggest shared genetic mechanism, researchers say

Disrupted Sleep May Raise Risk for Obesity, Diabetes: Study

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers found altering amount, timing of rest raised blood sugar levels, slowed metabolism

Drug May Prevent Pancreatitis After Digestive Procedure

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Single $2 treatment thwarts serious infection, study says

Tax Day May Drive Up Fatal Crash Rates

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

But expert notes study finding doesn't make it clear whether stress causes the spike

Many Patients Skip Recommended Colonoscopy: Study

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Follow-through is more likely with other screening tests for colon cancer

Sexual Abuse May Put Boys at Risk for Unsafe Sex

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Multiple partners, teen pregnancies more likely among those who were victimized, surveys show

Urinary Incontinence Drugs May Be More Trouble Than They're Worth