Update From the Medical Journals: June 2009
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Treating Restless Leg Syndrome Without Medication
Requip makes my restless leg syndrome worse if I don’t take it on time. How can I get off Requip, and what can I do for my condition without drugs?
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Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome
A friend’s 10-month-old daughter has just been diagnosed with Schwachman-Diamond syndrome. What is it? Is it likely to shorten her life expectancy?
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Study Finds HIV Drugs Help Prevent It, Too
Taking standard HIV treatment drugs can also help prevent infection in men who have sex with men, a new study has found. Men who took daily doses of Truvada reduced their risk of infection by 44%. Rates of infection were even lower among men who took the pills regularly, as prescribed. The study included nearly 2,500 men and transgender women who had sex with men. They were more likely than average to have multiple partners, trade sex for money and have sex without condoms. At the start of the study, they were not infected with HIV. They were randomly divided into two groups of similar size. Men in one group took Truvada daily. The others took a placebo (fake) pill. Truvada includes the HIV drugs emtricitabine and tenofovir. All of the men received counseling and condoms. The study lasted up to 2.8 years.
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The health benefits of strong relationships
Strong connections and regular social interaction with friends and family members helps alleviate stress and enhance longevity.
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Ask the doctor: Do I need to get a flu vaccination this year?
Now that the fuss over H1N1 swine flu has died down, do I need to get vaccinated this year?
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In the journals: Grip strength and other physical measures predict lifespan
Older people who are able to perform better on measures of physical strength such as grip strength and walking speed are likely to live longer than those whose performance was poorer.
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Heart Beat: Heart, arteries thrive with more potassium
Boosting daily potassium intake by eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods is likely to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
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By the way, doctor: How much aspirin should I take to reduce my risk for colon cancer?
I keep hearing that aspirin can help prevent colon cancer, but I have no idea how much I should take. Can you help? I’ve had adenomatous polyps in the past.
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Heart Beat: Alcohol: Moderation matters, especially with high blood pressure
Binge drinkers are more likely to have heart ailments, which may be of particular concern for those who also have high blood pressure.
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