Health & Wellness

Health care employees are required by OSHA guidelines to wear N95 respirators to protect from H1N1 flu. Three groups of infectious disease experts have written a letter to President Obama, urging new guidelines. There is no scientific evidence that N95 respirators offer additional protection from the virus over standard surgical masks. Additional concerns of the scientific groups include short supply of the N95 respirators that may not be available to health workers when caring for patients with TB, as the supply is dwindling.

Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, including vehicle and industrial emissions and wood smoke, are at increased risk for bronchiolitis. The study is unique because it evaluated multiple sources of air pollution and their impact on infants’ health.

A baby’s cry isn’t just a method for getting mom’s attention for food or comfort. It is also an important beginning to the development of language.

A leading cancer center reports that green tea extract may be helpful in preventing oral cancer in patients who have a pre-malignant condition called oral leukoplakia. The five-year survival rate among oral cancer patients is less than 50 percent.

One in three dentists say that aggressive toothbrushing is the most common cause of sensitive teeth. Many dentists also say that tooth erosion is on the rise.

In an attempt to reduce the deaths and serious health problems caused by misuse of medication, the FDA is trying to identify the most serious threats and find ways to avoid them.

The FDA has received 78 reports of kidney problems related to Byetta, a drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. With the new findings, the drug’s label will be updated to warn doctors and patients about this possible side effect.

Can our household pets like cats catch the swine flu? You would be surprised to know that yes, cats can catch the swine flu.

Curcumin, found in the spice curry, has been studied for fighting disease. Gastric juices destroy curcumin, limiting the amount of antioxidants delivered to the bloodstream. Researchers from Japan have found a technology to boost delivery of antioxidants found in the spice.

While that occasional back pain may go away after some rest and pain medication, many back pain sufferers are not aware that everyday activities - from wearing high heels to long work hours - can repeatedly strain the spine may lead to more serious consequences later.