New Breast Self-Exam Guidelines Stir Debate - May 19, 2003

(USA TODAY) -- Many women view the monthly ritual of examining their breasts for lumps as a way of literally taking their health into their own hands.

Ireland Set To Restrict Ads For Alcohol - May 19, 2003

DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) -- Ireland will restrict advertisements and wants to slap health warnings on alcoholic beverages in hopes of deterring heavy drinking by teenagers, Prime Minister Bertie Ahern announced Monday.

Preventing The Progression Of HIV - May 16, 2003

(Journal of Clinical Investigation) -- A genetic mutation in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protein may help explain why a small proportion of people infected with HIV remain healthy for over a decade or more, while others ultimately develop AIDS.

Cancer Society Endorses Mammograms, Moves Away From Self-Exams - May 16, 2003

ATLANTA (AP) -- Mammograms remain the most important tool in detecting breast cancer and women need not worry about performing breast self-exams, the American Cancer Society said.

World's Hospitals Urged To Screen For SARS - May 15, 2003

(USA TODAY) -- Acknowledging that SARS is probably here to stay, the World Health Organization will urge today that "health care facilities the world over" screen all patients with a fever and respiratory symptoms for the infectious pneumonia-like illness.

WHO Urges Caution Over Theoretical SARS Risk From Blood Transfusions - May 15, 2003

LONDON (AP) -- In an effort to reduce the theoretical risk of the SARS virus spreading through blood transfusions and organ transplants, the World Health Organization recommended a variety of special blood safety precautions Thursday.

Ill. Lifts Prescriptions On Needles - May 14, 2003

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- In an attempt to fight the spread of AIDS, Illinois lawmakers passed legislation that would make it easier for drug users to obtain clean needles.

WHO Launches Project To Curb Spread Of Heart, Other Chronic Diseases - May 14, 2003

GENEVA (AP) -- In a bid to curb the global growth in heart and other chronic diseases, the World Health Organization on Wednesday launched a report examining the use of tobacco and other risk factors in 170 countries.

Report: Global HIV Prevention Falls Short - May 14, 2003

SEATTLE (AP) -- Worldwide spending to prevent new infections by the AIDS virus should be increased by /$3.8 billion by 2005, an advocacy group recommended Tuesday.

Feds Conduct Bioterror Drill In Chicago - May 14, 2003

CHICAGO (AP) -- A national bioterrorism drill mirrored real life Tuesday as coughing, sneezing patients trooped into Chicago-area emergency rooms acting out symptoms of a mystery SARS-like illness.

HHS Expands Online Health Information For Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians And Pacific Islanders - May 14, 2003

WASHINGTON (HHS) -- In recognition of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson launched two new online health resources of special interest to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. The new Web sites expand on the department's Steps to a HealthierUS initiative, which underscores the President's call to action for healthy lifestyles through public awareness of disease prevention efforts.

Health Officials Refocusing Polio Immunizations On Hardest-Hit Countries - May 13, 2003

TOKYO (AP) -- World health officials, aiming to wipe out polio by 2005, will focus their immunization campaign on the seven countries still battling the crippling disease and six others at risk of infection, a coalition of organizations announced Tuesday.

Terror Drills Test Those On Cities' Front Lines; Rescue Teams Work On Better Communication - May 13, 2003

SEATTLE (USA TODAY) -- An American city tested itself for the first time Monday against a potential "dirty bomb" attack by terrorists, launching a full-scale drill to hone the skills of emergency workers and top decision-makers alike.

HHS To Award Healthy Community Grants To Support Local Programs To Prevent Diabetes, Asthma And Obesity - May 12, 2003

WASHINGTON (HHS) -- HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson encouraged states, cities and other local government agencies to propose innovative, community-based programs to prevent diabetes, asthma and obesity as part of a new grants program. The grants will be awarded to support local projects that will demonstrate approaches to reduce the prevalence and impact of the three common chronic health conditions in local communities.

Statement By HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Regarding National Women's Health Week - May 12, 2003

WASHINGTON (HHS) -- American women are living healthier lives and longer than ever before. Life expectancies for women in this country are at an all time high. Advances in research and new medical treatments save the lives of millions of women every year.

Pneumonia Vaccine May Hold Heart Benefits - May 12, 2003

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vaccine used to prevent pneumonia may also have benefits for the heart, new research indicates.

Taiwan Subway A New Front In SARS War - May 12, 2003

BEIJING (AP) -- The subway system in Taiwan's capital became a new front in the war against SARS on Sunday as a top Chinese Communist Party official called for "total victory" against the disease.

China Vows Tough Measures To Fight SARS - May 12, 2003

BEIJING (AP) -- Highlighting the danger of SARS spreading globally, Canadian officials angrily rejected any suggestion that a Finnish man contracted the disease in Toronto, saying the city has its outbreak under control.

Overuse Of Stroke Prevention Surgery Drops, But 1 In 10 Still Inappropriate - May 09, 2003

DALLAS (American Heart Association) -- The overuse of surgery to clear blocked arteries to the brain as a way to prevent stroke appears to have decreased significantly during the past decades, yet one in ten surgeries were still considered to be inappropriate, researchers report in today's rapid access issue of Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

AAP Offers Mothers-To-Be Advice With Just-In-Time Delivery For Mother's Day - May 09, 2003

CHICAGO (American Academy of Periodontology) -- Increase your intake of folic acid. Discontinue using birth control. And, visit your periodontist before becoming pregnant? Yes. Women contemplating motherhood may want to visit their periodontist or dental professional for a periodontal evaluation before becoming pregnant.

HHS Urges Women To Get Regular Preventive Checkups - May 08, 2003

WASHINGTON (HHS) -- On Monday, May 12, more than 600 community health centers, hospitals and other health care providers nationwide will encourage women to visit a health care professional as part of the Department of Health and Human Services' first National Women's Check-Up Day. The effort, scheduled for the day after Mother's Day, is part of the National Women's Health Week.

Heart Disease Linked To Oral Health? Warning Signs In The Mouth Can Save Lives - May 07, 2003

CHICAGO (Academy of General Dentistry) -- Heart disease will claim half a million lives this year. Most adults know heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, however a consumer survey reveals 60 percent don't know that a sore or painful jaw is one warning sign that may indicate an impending heart attack, reports the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

MR Should Be Considered For Breast Screening Of High Risk Women - May 07, 2003

(American Roentgen Ray Society) -- MR imaging can find breast cancers that mammography has missed and should be considered for screening high-risk women, a new study suggests. The study is the largest to date done in the U.S.

New Book On Raising Healthy Teens Has Many Answers For Parents - May 06, 2003

(American Academy of Pediatrics) -- During the years from 12 to 21, young adults face emotional, psychological, and medical changes that can be difficult for both them and their parents or caregivers. To help parents and children negotiate a smooth transition through these years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed its newest consumer resource, "Caring for Your Teenager" (Bantam Books/Trade Paperback, May 6, 2003/$18.95).

American Red Cross Rushes Relief To Tornado-Ravaged Midwest - May 06, 2003

WASHINGTON (American Red Cross) -- In response to the barrage of recent tornadoes, the American Red Cross is rushing hundreds of relief workers to the devastated areas. Relief operations are already underway in Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas, where the Red Cross is providing for the immediate needs of the tornado victims, including food and shelter, as well as grief counseling and emergency healthcare and medication needs.

Celebrating World Red Cross Day: American Red Cross Highlights Keeping Children Healthy Around The World - May 06, 2003

WASHINGTON (American Red Cross) -- The American Red Cross will celebrate World Red Cross Day on May 8, remembering the efforts that all National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies do worldwide to advocate for the relief of human suffering, whether from disease, famine, disaster or war. This May 8, the American Red Cross puts special focus on our programs that keep children healthy and safe around the globe.

Smallpox Vaccination Cash Heads To States - May 06, 2003

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration said Monday it was immediately sending /$100 million to states to help them run their smallpox vaccination programs.

Seattle, Chicago Plan Bioterror Drills - May 06, 2003

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A few minutes before noon next Monday, hundreds of firefighters and police officers -- including some in bright yellow "moon suits" -- will gather near an old brewery off Interstate 5 in Seattle.

Teams Start Screening For Skin Cancer - May 06, 2003

(USA TODAY) -- Shonda Schilling accentuated her looks by bathing in the sun, never realizing a tan to die for could lead to death.

Most Men Don't Understand Prostate Cancer Screening - May 06, 2003

(American Journal of Public Health) -- Even though prostate cancer screening is touted as an important tool to help save men's lives, most men may not understand the risks or effectiveness associated with the procedure.

HIV Prevention Programs Still Rare In Prison - May 06, 2003

(American Journal of Public Health) -- HIV/AIDS is a major issue in correctional facilities because prisoners are more likely to come from lower-income and minority populations disproportionately affected by the disease. Yet prisoners have historically little access to HIV prevention programs, according to a review of the issue.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Emphasize The Importance Of Wearing Safety Gear While Biking This Spring And Summer - May 06, 2003

ROSEMONT, Ill. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) -- As the weather gets warmer, more cyclists will hit the road for recreation, transportation and exercise. In 2001, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 643,000 bicycle injuries in children from 5 to 14 years old were treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms.

Tips For Avoiding Golf Injuries - May 06, 2003

ROSEMONT,Ill. -- (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons) There are over 25 million golfers in the U.S., and according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission there were over 131,000 injuries related to golfing in the year 2001.

Orthopaedic Surgeons Remind Parents And Community Officials To Inspect Neighborhood And Schoolyard Playgrounds - May 06, 2003

ROSEMONT, Ill. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) -- With spring and warm weather upon us, children will be returning to neighborhood and schoolyard playgrounds. The number of playground injuries each year are high: according to the U.S. Product Safety Commission, in the year 2001 there were more than 509,000 playground-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms and doctor's offices. Not only are children sustaining injuries that, in many cases, can be prevented, it costs the U.S. over $11 billion in medical, work loss, pain, suffering and legal liability.