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NYT Health News


Dr. Robert L. Spitzer, Noted Psychiatrist, Apologizes for Study on Gay ‘Cure’

Sat, 19 May 2012 20:42:34 GMT

At the end of his career, Dr. Robert L. Spitzer has reached a painful conclusion: “I believe,” he wrote in a letter, “I owe the gay community an apology.”

Well: Turning Yoga Into Art

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:54:41 GMT

Robert Sturman, an artist from Santa Monica, Calif., has traveled around the world painting and photographing landscapes, musicians and athletes. But it is the study of yoga that has triggered one of the most creative periods of his career.

Trial Vaccine Made Some More Vulnerable to H.I.V., Study Confirms

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:25:58 GMT

In 2007, a trial of an AIDS vaccine made by Merck was stopped early when it became clear that it was not protecting everyone. Now a follow-up study has confirmed the worst fears of researchers.

A Stem-Cell-Based Drug Gets Approval in Canada

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:53:01 GMT

Prochymal, developed by Osiris Therapeutics, is a preparation of mesenchymal stem cells, which are obtained from the bone marrow of healthy young adult donors.

Rare Genetic Mutations May Underpin Diseases

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:46:01 GMT

Because the mutations are so rare, costly studies involving large numbers of patients would be needed to identify their role in each disease.

Stretch: Downward Dog Hits the Dance Floor

Sat, 19 May 2012 04:18:00 GMT

Yoga enthusiasts seeking social outlets without smoke, drugs and (sometimes) alcohol are turning to parties that combine live music, raw food and chants.

Well: Does Facebook Turn People Into Narcissists?

Sat, 19 May 2012 12:21:26 GMT

Some research suggests that people who frequently update their Facebook status are more likely to exhibit narcissistic traits, but the social medium of choice for the self-absorbed may actually be Twitter.

Well: Doctor and Patient: Increasing Organ Donor Enrollment at the D.M.V.

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:42:44 GMT

Showing people who were waiting to get a driver's license a short video about the impact of organ donation increased the number of organ donors by more than 10 percent, and the increase was especially dramatic among African-Americans.

Well: Life, Interrupted: Hope Is My New Address

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:15:58 GMT

I've left the isolation of the hospital after my bone marrow transplant and no longer need to be connected to IVs around the clock. I'm enjoying my freedom, but cancer continues to dictate my choices, writes Suleika Jaouad.

HDL ‘Good Cholesterol’ Found Not to Cut Heart Risk

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:54:10 GMT

People genetically prone to higher levels of HDL, often called “good cholesterol,” showed that they did not have any significant decrease in risk of cardiovascular disease.

Popular Antibiotic May Raise Risk of Sudden Death

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:37:18 GMT

Azithromycin may be risky for adults with heart problems, a new study finds, by possibly causing abnormal, potentially fatal, heart rhythms.

Brain Disease Is Found in Veterans Exposed to Bombs

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:00:05 GMT

The same degenerative brain disease found in football players and boxers has been found in veterans exposed to roadside bombs, a finding with potentially profound implications.

Zytiga, a Prostate Cancer Drug, Does Well in Trial

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:00:04 GMT

In a small clinical trial, six months of treatment with the drug Zytiga, added to standard therapy, eliminated or nearly eliminated tumors in about one-third of men whose disease had not yet spread beyond the prostate gland.

Army to Review Its Psychiatric Evaluation Process

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:24:01 GMT

Congress put pressure on the military after hearing complaints about reversed diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Well: Coffee Drinkers May Live Longer

Sat, 19 May 2012 12:23:01 GMT

The largest-ever study of the relationship between coffee consumption and health showed that regular coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying from a variety of diseases.

Medtronic Says U.S. Investigation Has Closed

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:30:07 GMT

The Justice Department and the United States attorney’s office in Massachusetts have closed their investigation related to the orthopedic product Infuse, Medtronic said.

C.D.C. Lowers Recommended Lead-Level Limits in Children

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:04 GMT

Nationwide, about 450,000 children have lead levels higher than the new standard, compared with 250,000 children using the old standard.

Paralyzed, Moving a Robot With Their Minds

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:20:04 GMT

Scientists said a tiny brain implant allowed two people who are virtually paralyzed below the neck to manipulate a robotic arm.

Well: Skechers Toning Shoe Customers to Get Refund

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:18:56 GMT

Federal regulators announced on Wednesday that Skechers has agreed to pay $40 million to settle charges that the company deceived consumers with claims about its toning shoes.

Noticed: Saying ‘No’ to Picture Perfect

Fri, 18 May 2012 06:07:03 GMT

A group of young feminists is campaigning against digitally retouched photographs in a teen magazine.

Maternal Deaths Plunged Over 2 Decades, U.N. Reports

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:00:04 GMT

The decline is attributable to increases in contraception and in AIDS drugs, and to greater numbers of births attended by those with medical training.

Pepsi and Competitors Scramble as Soda Sales Drop

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:44:49 GMT

Americans are abandoning carbonated drinks, and Coke and Pepsi are relying more than ever on the “flat” drinks and bottled waters.

Alzheimer’s Prevention Is Aim of Drug Trial

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:20:47 GMT

A clinical trial of Crenezumab will focus largely on members of a Colombian family who are genetically destined to develop the disease but who do not yet have any symptoms.

Clot-Fighting Drug Plavix Set to Lose Patent Protection

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:53:01 GMT

The drug, which prevents clots among heart attack patients, will no longer be promoted by Bristol-Myers Squibb because of an influx of cheaper generic alternatives.

Recipes for Health: Soba With Green Garlic, Spinach, Edamame and Crispy Tofu

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:11:11 GMT

This hearty noodle dish makes good use of the season’s best vegetables.

F.D.A. Panel Backs Easier Home H.I.V. Test

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:26:01 GMT

An advisory body recommended that the Food and Drug Administration approve the OraQuick test, which uses a mouth swab to give a result in 20 minutes.

News Analysis: Taking Truvada to Prevent H.I.V. Also Comes With Risks

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:57:58 GMT

Taking Truvada daily can help people in at-risk groups prevent H.I.V. infection, but the consequences of loose adherence go beyond contracting the virus.

Side Effects: Microscopic Neighbors, Evolving Together

Fri, 18 May 2012 21:50:03 GMT

A novel experiment sought to demonstrate that how different living things in a community bump up against one another affects how they evolve.

In Sperm Banks, a Roll of the Genetic Dice

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:10:03 GMT

In households across the country, children conceived with donated sperm are struggling with serious genetic conditions inherited from men they have never met.

Losing More to Gain More: Amputees’ Once-Unthinkable Choice

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:46:04 GMT

As artificial limbs are infused with better technology, some people are opting to amputate more extensively to regain something more akin to normal function.

A Conversation With Carson Chow: A Mathematical Challenge to Obesity

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:40:04 GMT

Carson Chow has used mathematical models to determine the causes of obesity, and ways to stem the epidemic.

Well: Green Garlic Recipes for Health

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:53:57 GMT

Shoppers at farmers' markets may come across green garlic, which has been harvested early, before the cloves have matured. The Recipes for Health columnist Martha Rose Shulman offers five new ways to cook with green garlic.

Well: Phys Ed: Cancer Survivors Who Exercise Live Longer

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:58:28 GMT

Even moderate activity like taking a walk may improve cancer survivors' long-term prognosis, according to new research showing that regular exercise can lower survivors' risk of premature death, not only from cancer but from any cause.

Well: Vital Signs: Using Probiotics to Help Medicine Go Down

Mon, 14 May 2012 22:05:49 GMT

A review of 82 trials concluded that probiotics - of varying sources and doses - significantly reduced the rate of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Well: Vital Signs: TV and Unhealthy Diets Have Stronger Link

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:18:43 GMT

TV viewing is linked not only with unhealthy snacking while watching, but also with less healthy eating habits at all times, a study finds.

Well: Sippy Cups and Other Little-Known Childhood Hazards

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:33:29 GMT

Bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups cause thousands of injuries to the mouth and teeth every year, and button batteries, those flat silver discs used in toys and home electronics, can cause serious harm when swallowed.

The New Old Age Blog: Revived by Music

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:44 GMT

A documentary director and a social worker hatch a new idea: personalized music for every nursing home resident.

The New Old Age Blog: A Twist in the Driving Debate

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:28:03 GMT

Researchers find that many older adults who stop driving hit the road again.

The New Old Age Blog: A Drug to Prevent Alzheimer's

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:49:56 GMT

Government officials announce plans to test a drug to prevent Alzheimer's disease.

The New Old Age Blog: The Shingles Vaccine Returns

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:35:30 GMT

The manufacturer of the shingles vaccine says production has been restored.

The Kabul Hospital That Treats All Sides

Sat, 19 May 2012 20:31:53 GMT

There is one hospital in Kabul that treats anyone, from any side, no questions asked. The horrors of the war blow through its doors every day.

Personal Health: Personal Health: The Zen of Swimming

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:07:15 GMT

Swimming is second only to walking as the nation's most popular recreational activity, and its benefits can be enjoyed regardless of age or infirmity.

The Consumer: The Consumer: A TV Show Adds to the Muddle on HPV Testing

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:24:43 GMT

The girls of "Girls" are asking, and so is everyone else: What does it mean to be infected with HPV?

Personal Best: Personal Best: Can Runners Have 'Too Many Miles on the Tires'?

Thu, 17 May 2012 05:35:05 GMT

If you start racing when you are young, will you be slower in middle age than if you started when you were older?

Really?: Really? Red Wine as a Probiotic Delivery System

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:17:13 GMT

Known for its potential to protect against heart disease, red wine also aids digestive health, through probiotics, studies show.

HEALTH: The 20-Minute Workout

Mon, 14 May 2012 22:13:06 GMT

Gretchen Reynolds, the Phys Ed columnist, on the science of high-intensity interval training, or H.I.T., which scientists are finding can be as effective as longer endurance training.

HEALTH: In Love and Loss

Wed, 09 May 2012 19:20:09 GMT

Michael French has frontotemporal dementia, for which there is no treatment. As his condition deteriorated, his wife, Ruth, had to move him to a nursing home, where she spends most days.

Op-Ed Contributor: A Judge’s Plea for Medical Marijuana

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:20:04 GMT

For cancer patients, marijuana is a medical and a human rights issue. New York should pass the medical marijuana bill this year.

Letters: HPV and Oral Cancer (1 Letter)

Tue, 15 May 2012 01:50:05 GMT

Letter to the editor.

Letters: Consider the Parent, Too (2 Letters)

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:10:04 GMT

Letters to the editor.

Letters: That Unbearable Itch (1 Letter)

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:10:04 GMT

Letter to the editor.

Letters: Learning From Cuba (1 Letter)

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:10:04 GMT

Letter to the editor.

Economic View: Slippery-Slope Logic vs. Health Care Law - Economic View

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:57:58 GMT

The court debate over the new health care law offers yet another example of worrying about imaginary risks.

Op-Ed Columnist: Saving the Lives of Moms

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:40:06 GMT

On Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate a fistula hospital that you readers helped build, and the many African women whose lives it will surely save.

A New Treatment Zeroes In on Cellulite

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:11:57 GMT

Cellulaze, a new treatment that requires only one doctor’s visit, is being breathlessly hailed by many as a bona fide solution, but some doctors have reservations.

Books: New Perspectives From Cancer Patients

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:09 GMT

Two new books, one by a group of medical ethicists and another by the feminist critic Susan Gubar, offer searing accounts of confronting a lethal disease.

Big Challenges Ahead for Johnson’s New Chief

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:40:06 GMT

Johnson & Johnson has selected a leader from inside the firm who describes himself as a “realistic optimist.”

Romney Medicare Plan Draws Stark Contrast With Obama’s

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:50:03 GMT

Mitt Romney says President Obama has no workable plan to prevent Medicare from going bankrupt, and that he is offering “a dramatic change in perspective and philosophy.”

Whooping Cough Epidemic Hits Washington State

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:04 GMT

Efforts in Washington State to address a resurgent childhood ailment have been hobbled by years of recession-induced budget cuts that have hollowed out public health departments.

Op-Ed Contributor: Maternity Ward Swag

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:00:52 GMT

The benefits of breast-feeding are many, but hospitals undermine the practice by sending mothers home with free samples of baby formula.

Dialysis Rule Changes Followed by Transfusion Increases

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:50:04 GMT

A shift by the federal government in how it pays for drugs for dialysis patients may have had an unintended and potentially dire consequence, researchers say.

Global Update: Study Seeks More Access to Caesarean Births in Poor Countries

Thu, 17 May 2012 06:20:03 GMT

Performing Caesarean deliveries extensively in 49 poor countries would save 16,800 mothers’ lives annually and prevent many vaginal tears, a new study found.

Birth-Defect Risk Higher With Fertility Treatments, Study Shows

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:10:03 GMT

An Australian survey of about 300,000 pregnancies, with more than 6,000 resulting from fertility treatments, found that treatment was associated with a 28 percent greater risk for birth defects.

Can You Call a 9-Year-Old a Psychopath?

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:26:01 GMT

Psychologists now believe fledgling psychopaths can be identified as early as kindergarten. The hope is to teach these children empathy before it’s too late.

Well: New Cautions About Bisphosphonates

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:40:23 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration published an analysis that suggested caution against long-term use of the drugs, but fell short of issuing specific recommendations.

Recipes for Health: Turkey Burgers With Green Garlic and Parsley

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:12:08 GMT

Garlic and grated onion help to keep these flavorful burgers moist

Recipes for Health: Pan-Cooked Brussels Sprouts With Green Garlic

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:12:58 GMT

These quick-cooking sprouts are a versatile side dish, but they’re also satisfying with on their own with rice.

Recipes for Health: Quinoa Pilaf With Sweet Peas and Green Garlic

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:13:27 GMT

Spring vegetables and a flavorful mixture of herbs stand out in this dish.

Recipes for Health: The Seasonal Charms of Green Garlic: Green Garlic, Chive and Red Pepper Frittata

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:14:01 GMT

Juicy and mild, green garlic is bountiful at farmers’ markets for only a short time, but there are endless ways to enjoy it.

Reporter's File: Sickle Cell Disease Outlook Continues to Improve

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:50:55 GMT

On most days Giovanna Poli acts like a typical 12-year-old, but she is living with sickle cell disease.