Health Rail: Don't fear the Taser
Number to Know: 99.7
Percent of those who were Tasered who had mild to no injuries. And according to the study of 1,000 cases by U.S. researchers, of the 0.3 percent who suffered more-serious injuries, several of them fell and hurt themselves as a result of the Taser, and several had existing health problems.
Quote of Note
"In the process of curing their breast cancer, we've exposed them to some pretty nasty things. And it's not just one nasty thing, it's a sequence of nasty things."
Dr. Pamela Douglas of Duke University, on a study that shows breast cancer survivors may face an increased risk of heart disease, largely because of anthracyclines, which are drugs used in chemotherapy.
Appendix Mystery Finally Solved?
Scientists believe they might have found the purpose of the appendix (other than its sometimes-deadly effect): it's a storehouse for good germs. Duke University Medical School researchers said the appendix holds good bacteria that the digestive system needs and "reboots" the system if need be.
This Isn't Just Potty Humor …
A new study says human urine is a fantastic (and cheap) fertilizer, as it's a great source of nitrogen and other minerals, HealthDay News reported. In Finland, urine has been used to fertilize barley and cucumbers, and it is thought that it is good for other crops as well.
Health Tip: How to spot anemia
WebMD says symptoms common to many types of anemia are:
- Easy fatigue and loss of energy.
- Unusually rapid heart beat, particularly with exercise.
- Shortness of breath and headache, particularly with exercise.
- Difficulty concentrating.
Pregnant? Eat More Fish
U.S. health experts last week said that pregnant and breast-feeding women should eat at least 12 ounces of fish/seafood a week, contradicting warnings that 12 ounces is too much because of possible mercury contamination. The new study says the threat of mercury poisoning is just a theory and that infant brains benefit greatly from the nutrients in seafood.
Children's Health
HealthDay News reported on a study that said playtime and sensory stimulation is crucial for children, including newborns. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Family Physicians on good activities for newborns:
- Use brightly colored, stimulating toys designed for newborns, like rattles, unbreakable mirrors, musical toys and toys that are of interesting colors and textures.
- Play music and dance with your baby.
- Make faces and sounds at your baby, like sticking out your tongue smiling, laughing and talking.
- Encourage your baby to focus by holding and moving a preferred toy.
Senior Health
French researchers said the drug thalidomide helps elderly patients suffering from a form of blood cancer live longer, about 20 months more. The drug also slows the spread of myeloma, a disease that accounts for about 2 percent of all cancers, Reuters reported.
GateHouse News Service