Health Report Archive

January 28, 2008

Government: Cold meds send about 7,000 children yearly to hospital ERs

ATLANTA (AP) - The government says children taking cough and cold medicines without supervision is the biggest reason the medicines send about 7,000 children to the emergency room each year.

January 25, 2008

Hospitals Bridging Language Barriers

University Health Systems Language Services

January 24, 2008

Calif workers can be fired for pot use

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California's Supreme Court says employers can fire workers for using medical marijuana.

Work-aholics could be killing themselves

The saying “don't work too hard,” isn’t just a cliché anymore. According to a new study, it’s sage advice.

January 23, 2008

Heart bypass best for multiple blockages

LOS ANGELES (AP) - A new study says heart bypass surgery is still the best option for patients with more than one clogged artery.

Progress Stalls In The Fight To Reduce Preventable Disease And Early Death In North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, NC - January 23, 2008 - Fewer people are smoking in North Carolina, but growing numbers are overweight or obese and not getting enough physical activity.

NC voters, candidates targeted by new mental health Web site

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Mental health advocacy groups have launched a Web site they hope will get North Carolina political candidates and voters talking about ways to improve the state's mental health system.

January 22, 2008

Cell Phones and Good Night’s Sleep Don’t Mix

A new study says if you use your cell phone before you go to bed, it could mess up your sleep patterns.

Researchers find obesity surgery is powerful weapon against diabetes

CHICAGO (AP) - It's the strongest evidence so far that obesity surgery can cure diabetes.

NYC revives vote for calories on menus

NEW YORK (AP) - New York City health officials are reviving a plan that would force restaurant chains to post calorie counts for their foods, right on the menu.

ECU, UNC team up on cancer care, research

GREENVILLE (1/22/08)--The University of North Carolina’s two medical schools and their cancer centers have created a partnership to advance cancer research and bring leading-edge treatment to North Carolinians.

January 21, 2008

Long-term health problems haunt some people who get food poisoning

WASHINGTON (AP) - It's a dirty little secret of food poisoning.

Caffeine and Pregnancy Don’t Mix

Even a small amount of caffeine could be dangerous for your unborn child.

January 20, 2008

New nursing home philosophy: Limit time in wheelchairs

(AP) - You can see it at most long-term care centers -- residents in wheelchairs lining hallways, just sitting or rolling slowly down the hall.

January 18, 2008

UNC programs get nearly $4 million for health research

(AP) - Health researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are sharing nearly $4 million in federal funds for cancer and other research projects.

Enjoy Smoke-Free Turkey While You Go Cold Turkey: Smoke-Free Dining Guides Released

In recognition of Tobacco-Free Awareness Week, January 20–26, several smoke-free dining guides help smokers go "cold turkey" and offer nonsmokers a smoke free alternative to dining out.

January 17, 2008

NC-led study: Gene combo seems to raise prostate cancer risk

(AP) - In a study led by North Carolina researchers, scientists have taken a key step toward revealing the causes of prostate cancer.

Report: U.S. abortions decline to lowest level since 1974

(AP) - A new report says the number of abortions in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest level since 1974.

FDA to declare over-the-counter cold medicines too risky for babies and toddlers

(AP) - With cold and flu season well under way, the government plans to warn parents that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are too risky for babies and toddlers.

January 16, 2008

New Testing Could Detect Prostate Cancer Earlier

And now a new blood test may be able to help doctors figure out who is going to get it before the disease even develops.

Public Health Officials Urge Caution Regarding Cosmetic Injections

RALEIGH - The North Carolina Division of Public Health is warning consumers to be careful when it comes to cosmetic injections. This warning follows an investigation into three cases of kidney failure among women who received injections at a Greensboro clinic.

January 15, 2008

More U.S. babies are born, defying a low-birth trend in Europe

(AP) - The U.S. seems to be experiencing a baby boomlet, bucking the trend in many other wealthy industrialized nations.

North Carolina Health Officials Urge Citizens to Test for Radon

RALEIGH – Officials with the state Division of Environmental Health are supporting a nationwide campaign to recognize January as Radon Action Month and encourage people to learn more about exposure to the gas, the nation’s second leading cause of lung cancer deaths.

NEW: FDA says cloned animals safe

(AP) - Don't fear the clones. The FDA says meat and milk from cloned animals are just as safe as products from livestock bred the old-fashioned way.

January 14, 2008

Government approves drug for MS patients with Crohn’s disease

(AP) - The federal government is approving a treatment for multiple sclerosis patients with a severe intestinal disorder.

NEW: Detecting hot spots can help diabetics prevent foot ulcers

(AP) - There may be a way for diabetics to prevent foot ulcers.

Health Department Can Screen More Women for Breast and Cervical Cancer

Morehead City, NC – Between now and the end of June 2008, Carteret County Health Department is able to offer its current program of free screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer to more Carteret County women. Additional state funding makes it possible to enroll about 30 additional women.

January 13, 2008