New heart rate estimate for women
A revised formula for calculating peak heart rate in women can help those who may want to determine a target heart rate as a guideline for exercise.
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Month: September 2010
Ask the doctor: Are raw oats better than cooked oats?
My family has squabbled about oats for some time. Some members say that to get the biggest health benefit from oats you need to eat them raw, moistened with water. Others say they should be cooked. Does cooking take something beneficial out of oats?
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Ask the doctor: Am I exercising too much?
I am 80 years old. 40 years ago I had a heart attack. I stopped smoking but remained very active. My blood pressure, with the help of medications, is around 125/70. My physician thinks I am pushing too hard and has urged me to take it easier. Is he right?
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The simplification of CPR
Guidelines for CPR have eliminated the giving of mouth-to-mouth breaths, partly so people will be more likely to give CPR, and partly because blood flow slows during the time compressions are stopped to give breaths.
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By the way, doctor: What is body dysmorphic disorder?
My niece has been diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. I’ve heard of it, but I’m not sure what it is exactly.
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Keeping cancer from coming back
The question of whether or not cancer survivors should take vitamin or mineral supplements to prevent recurrence cannot be answered conclusively, because there have not been any studies in this area.
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Study Finds DNA Links to Ovarian Cancer
Researchers say they have found 5 areas of DNA that are linked to ovarian cancer risk. The study included 10,200 women with ovarian cancer. Their DNA was compared with that of 13,185 women who did not have the disease. Scientists found differences in 5 areas of DNA linked to ovarian cancer risk. Four were more common among women with the fastest-growing form of ovarian cancer. A blood test can show which women have these differences. The increase in risk was small, one researcher told Postmedia News. But the study helps us to know more about this type of cancer, another researcher told HealthDay News. Doctors hope that someday they will be able to predict each woman’s risk based on her DNA. The journal Nature Genetics published the study September 19.
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In Brief
Brief reports on migraines and stroke risk, HDL’s potential role in lowering cancer risk, unhealthy food ads on TV, and the benefits of defibrillators in public places.
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Blood Test for Vitamin D Level
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Bad Week for Diet Drugs at FDA
Diet drugs did not fare well in the U.S. regulatory process this week. A panel of experts voted September 16 not to recommend approval of the drug lorcaserin. They said they were concerned about tumors in rats tested with the drugs. The panel provides advice to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is reviewing 3 new diet drugs now. Lorcaserin had been considered the safest one. But FDA scientists questioned that in a report released before the expert panel met. They said lorcaserin produced little weight loss. They also cited side effects. Concerns include possible heart valve damage, depression and other psychiatric problems. The expert panel also voted September 14 on whether to allow an approved drug, Meridia, to stay on the market. The vote was an 8-8 tie.
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