Chocolate may help keep brain healthy

Chocolate may help keep brain healthy

Posted: 07 Aug 2013 02:00 PM PDT

Drinking two cups of hot chocolate a day may help older people keep their brains healthy and their thinking skills sharp, according to a study published in the August 7, 2013, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study involved 60 people with an average age of 73 who did not have dementia.

Uncovering a healthier remedy for chronic pain

Uncovering a healthier remedy for chronic pain

Posted: 17 Jul 2013 02:00 PM PDT

Physicians and patients who are wary of addiction to pain medication and opioids may soon have a healthier and more natural alternative. A Duke University study revealed that a derivative of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a main ingredient of over-the-counter fish oil supplements, can sooth and prevent neuropathic pain caused by injuries to the sensory system. The results appear online in the Annals of Neurology.

Calcium and vitamin D help hormones help bones

Calcium and vitamin D help hormones help bones

Posted: 01 Jul 2013 02:00 PM PDT

Should women take calcium and vitamin D supplements after menopause for bone health? Recommendations conflict, and opinions are strong. But now, an analysis from the major Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial throws weight on the supplement side - at least for women taking hormones after menopause.

Fatty acids found in fish linked to lower risk of breast cancer

Fatty acids found in fish linked to lower risk of breast cancer

Posted: 28 Jun 2013 05:00 AM PDT

A high intake of fatty acids found in fish is associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of breast cancer in later life, finds a study published on bmj.com. The results show that each 0.1 g per day or 0.1% energy per day increment of intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) derived from fish was associated with a 5% reduction in risk. To achieve this risk reduction, intake of oily fish such as salmon, tuna or sardines should be 1-2 portions per person per week.

FDA takes action to protect consumers from dangerous medicines sold by illegal online pharmacies

Posted: 27 Jun 2013 02:00 PM PDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in partnership with international regulatory and law enforcement agencies, took action this week against more than 9,600 websites that illegally sell potentially dangerous, unapproved prescription medicines to consumers. These actions include the issuance of regulatory warnings, and seizure of offending websites and $41,104,386 worth of illegal medicines worldwide.

Simple 2-drug combination proves effective in reducing risk of stroke

Posted: 26 Jun 2013 02:00 PM PDT

Results of a Phase III clinical trial showed that a simple drug regimen of two anti-clotting drugs - clopidogrel and aspirin - lowered the risk of stroke by almost one-third, compared to the standard therapy of aspirin alone, when given to patients who had minor or transient stroke symptoms to prevent subsequent attacks.

Aspirin may fight cancer by slowing DNA damage

Posted: 18 Jun 2013 02:00 PM PDT

Aspirin is known to lower risk for some cancers, and a new study led by a UC San Francisco scientist points to a possible explanation, with the discovery that aspirin slows the accumulation of DNA mutations in abnormal cells in at least one pre-cancerous condition.