How To Choose A Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin

How To Choose A Moisturizer For Acne Prone Skin
When you suffer from adult acne, the last thing on earth you want to do is contribute to the problem; oftentimes, this means that acne-prone people tend to avoid moisturizers and other skin lotions in the hope that more pimples won't pop up. However, regardless of your struggle with your acne treatment, you should not forgo using moisturizers on your face.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Tracking A Killer

Tracking A Killer
Infectious disease doctor April Pettit of Nashville was puzzled.
Source: news.yahoo.com

HPV tied to throat cancers: study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A sexually transmitted infection usually thought of in connection to cervical cancer is also tied to a five times greater risk of cancer of the vocal chords or voice box, a new report suggests. Combining the results of 55 studies from the past two decades, Chinese researchers found 28 percent of people with laryngeal cancers had cancerous tissue that tested positive for human papillomavirus (HPV). But that rate varied widely by study, from no throat cancer patients with HPV to 79 percent with the infection. ... Get the complete story

Kenya village of AIDS orphans hangs hopes on trees

There are no middle-aged adults in the Kenyan village of Nyumbani. They all died years ago. Only the young and old live here. Original Source

Gilda's Club name change seen as insult to Radner

Gilda's Club name change seen as insult to Radner

A Wisconsin chapter of a cancer-support group is removing a reference to Gilda Radner from its name, angering some fans of the former Saturday Night Live comedienne.

Source: news.yahoo.com

Three Basic Steps To Keeping Your Skin Healthy And Youthful

Three Basic Steps To Keeping Your Skin Healthy And Youthful
The skin is the biggest organ in the human body as well know it. But more important than that, it serves as the natural covering of our body. It goes without saying therefore, that we should take proper care of it. People are born with different skin types. Hence, skin care regimens which may work for one individual may not necessarily be effective for others. That's why when it comes to caring for your skin, you have to be as meticulous and personal as possible. In other words, you have to understand the needs of your skin and meet the same accordingly. There is certainly nothing wrong with pampering yourself in this aspect.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Chinese AIDS patients fight hospital rejections

Chinese AIDS patients fight hospital rejections

Wang Pinghe wants the tumor in his liver removed before it becomes life-threatening. But the 28-year-old Chinese villager knows it will be hard to find a hospital that will do the operation — because he has AIDS.

Source: news.yahoo.com

Body Wash Vs Bar Soap

The recent popularity of body washes and shower gels can be attributed in large part to the rise of marketing to the male segment of the population, but the truth is, there is nothing inherently better about body washes vs soaps and other cleansers. The most important factor to consider when buying any soap is what type of skin you have, and what you're going to do with it. Your skin produces oils that keep it moisturized throughout the day to prevent itself from drying and cracking. Get the rest of the article

Simple measures cut infections caught in hospitals

Simple measures cut infections caught in hospitals
Preventing surgery-linked infections is a major concern for hospitals and it turns out some simple measures can make a big difference.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Indian board rejects AstraZeneca's patent plea on cancer drug

(Reuters) - India's patents appeal board has dismissed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's petition challenging an earlier ruling that refused patent protection for a cancer-fighting drug, in the latest blow for Big Pharma in the country. The Indian patents office in 2007 refused patent protection to AstraZeneca's quinazoline molecule, citing lack of invention. The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) on Monday upheld the refusal. The decision is also a setback for struggling AstraZeneca, which is battling to turn itself around as key drugs lose patent protection. ... Get the complete story

Indian board rejects AstraZeneca's patent plea on cancer drug

(Reuters) - India's patents appeal board has dismissed British drugmaker AstraZeneca's petition challenging an earlier ruling that refused patent protection for a cancer-fighting drug, in the latest blow for Big Pharma in the country. The Indian patents office in 2007 refused patent protection to AstraZeneca's quinazoline molecule, citing lack of invention. The Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) on Monday upheld the refusal. The decision is also a setback for struggling AstraZeneca, which is battling to turn itself around as key drugs lose patent protection. ... Credit of the story

Does the Bird Poop Facial Really Work?

Does the Bird Poop Facial Really Work?
Meredith must know…A couple of years ago I heard a lot of buzz about the Geisha Facial that uses bird poo to improve your complexion. What’s the science behind this?  The Right Brain responds:  I know that a lot of beauty claims are bullish*t but this one is literally birdsh*t! Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped modern [...]

Meredith must know…A couple of years ago I heard a lot of buzz about the Geisha Facial that uses bird poo to improve your complexion. What’s the science behind this? 

The Right Brain responds: 

I know that a lot of beauty claims are bullish*t but this one is literally birdsh*t! Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped modern spas from adopting this ancient Japanese tradition. Shizuka New York, for example, charges you $180 for the privilege of having bird poop rubbed on your face. Supposedly the poo brightens skin and evens out your complexion. Does it really work? Here’s the scientific scoop on bird poop.

How a bird poop facial is made

First, you get some nightingales (specifically Japanese bush warblers). Why nightingales and not other birds, you ask? Because they have a short digestive tract which allegedly allows their poop to maintain more of the chemicals that are good for your skin. Then you feed the birds a special diet of organic seeds. The seeds work their way through the birds and what comes out the other end is called “uguisu no fun” in Japanese. Yes that’s right. The actual Japanese expression for nightingale crap that you rub all over your face includes the words “no fun.” Ironic, ain’t it?  Next, the poop is scraped from the cages (and you thought YOU had a crappy job) and then sanitized with an ultraviolet light before being dried and ground into a fine white powder. This powder is reconstituted and used as a facial cream.

What does bird poop do for your skin?

Supposedly bird poop contains a high concentration of urea and guanine. Urea is one of the components of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF for short) and it’s added to a number of skin creams to improve moisturization. It really works but you certainly don’t need bird poop to get a good dose of urea! Plus, urea has to be left on the skin to provide a moisturization benefit. Leaving it for a little while and then washing it off does no good. Guanine is a naturally iridescent material that can make you look sparkly. But, again, it only works when left on your face. It doesn’t have any lightening or brightening properties other than being glittery. At least one source claims that uguisu no fun contains an enzyme that lightens skin. But we could find no evidence of this at all. Most sites report that guanine is an enzyme which it’s not.

Historically Geishas used bird poop to bleach stains from their kimonos. This makes sense since the bird droppings could have a high pH due to ammonia which could lighten the kinds of pigments used as fabric dyes. It won’t, however, remove melanin which is the pigment in skin that gives it it’s color.

The Beauty Brains bottom line

Instead of wasting your money on a bird poop facial buy a good moisturizer with urea. And if want to get rid of acne scars or dark spots use retinol or a skin lightener that’s proven to work.

Image credit: http://img.fotocommunity.com/

References:

http://www.body4real.co.uk/product.php?productid=18065&js=y

http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/beauty/skin-treatments/geisha-facial.htm

Source: thebeautybrains.com

Flu Symptoms Drove Boston Mayor to Hospital

Flu Symptoms Drove Boston Mayor to Hospital

When Boston Mayor Thomas Menino ended his vacation in Italy short this fall and checked into a Boston hospital complaining of a respiratory infection, it led doctors to find and treat a blood clot in his leg, a fracture in his back, an infection around...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Leading U.S. Democrat Durbin embraces future Medicare reforms

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin, one of U.S. President Barack Obama's leading allies, urged fellow liberals on Tuesday to consider reforming the Medicare and Medicaid healthcare programs that they have long fought to shield from cuts. "Progressives should be willing to talk about ways to ensure the long-term viability of Medicare and Medicaid" programs for the elderly and poor, Durbin said in excerpts of a speech he is to deliver later in the day. ... Original Source

GSK to spend $1 billion to lift stakes in India, Nigeria units

GSK to spend $1 billion to lift stakes in India, Nigeria units

MUMBAI (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc plans to spend more than $1 billion to raise stakes in its Indian and Nigerian consumer healthcare arms, as Britain's biggest drugmaker deepens its emerging markets and non-prescription consumer health footprint. The deals are the latest of several by GSK, which is reducing its reliance on traditional prescription drug markets in Western economies where sales are slowing. GSK said on Monday it will buy up to an additional 31.8 percent stake in India's GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd for about $940 million by paying 3,900 rupees ($70. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Embryo survival gene may fight range of diseases: study

Embryo survival gene may fight range of diseases: study
HONG KONG (Reuters) - A gene that keeps embryos alive appears to control the immune system and determine how it fights chronic diseases like hepatitis and HIV, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, scientists said on Monday. Although the experts have only conducted studies on the gene Arih2 using mice, they hope it can be used as a target for drugs eventually to fight a spectrum of incurable diseases. Lead author Marc Pellegrini at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Australia said the gene appears to act like a switch, flipping the immune system on and off. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Long-distance runners lap up miles for the love of it

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Although many people begin running as a practical path to weight loss or fitness, for many it becomes a love affair as the miles increase. Tom Holland, running coach and author of "The Marathon Method," tells his clients that running for 3 miles was horrible for him too, but farther down the road things changed. "It happens for different people at different times and different distances: that runner's high," he said in an interview. Holland calls it a cardiovascular turning point where the run becomes exponentially easier. ...

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Prescribe morning-after pills in advance, say pediatricians

Prescribe morning-after pills in advance, say pediatricians
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Wading into the incendiary subject of birth control for young teenagers, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on Monday called on the nation's pediatricians to counsel all of their adolescent patients about emergency contraception and make advance prescriptions for it available to girls under 17. Because current federal policy bans over-the-counter sales of the pills to girls under 17, having a prescription on hand could help younger teens obtain emergency contraception more quickly than if they have to contact a physician only after they need it. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Psoriasis patients look to Hong Kong government for help - and hope

HONG KONG (Reuters) - When Gary Lai first came down with the skin disease psoriasis, he got so tired of the stigma he faced in the outside world that he would lock himself away in his apartment whenever he didn't have to be at work. "When you have to apply ointment all over your body, it is impractical. It also has a smell and when you go to work, your colleagues will start asking questions," said Lai, who was 24 when he was diagnosed. ... Continue reading...

Europe mulls banning 'boxes' for abandoned babies

German pastor Gabriele Stangl says she will never forget the harrowing confession she heard in 1999. A woman said she had been brutally raped, got pregnant and had a baby. Then she killed it and buried it in the woods near Berlin.

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Europe mulls banning 'boxes' for abandoned babies

Europe mulls banning 'boxes' for abandoned babies

German pastor Gabriele Stangl says she will never forget the harrowing confession she heard in 1999. A woman said she had been brutally raped, got pregnant and had a baby. Then she killed it and buried it in the woods near Berlin.

Source: news.yahoo.com

Can DuoChrome Nail Polish Become MonoChrome Over Time?

Can DuoChrome Nail Polish Become MonoChrome Over Time?
Missionista must know…I have a couple of (Sephora) duochrome nail polishes. One shifts from lavender to grey, and the other from hot pink to orange. Lately, I’ve noticed less shift in the colors. The lavender one has lost almost all the grey, and the pink is much less orange. Can duochrome polishes become monochrome over [...]

Missionista must know…I have a couple of (Sephora) duochrome nail polishes. One shifts from lavender to grey, and the other from hot pink to orange. Lately, I’ve noticed less shift in the colors. The lavender one has lost almost all the grey, and the pink is much less orange. Can duochrome polishes become monochrome over time? Am I just hallucinating?

The Right Brain responds:

Mon0-Chrome? Duo-Chrome? Personally, we prefer Safari. But enough with the bad browser puns.

How do DuoChrome polishes work?

As usual, the first thing we do when faced with a question like this is take a look at the ingredient list for clues about what might be happening. Strangely enough, when we looked at the ingredient list on Sephora’s website we noticed that they don’t list any colors for these nail polishes. (See below.) We even paid a visit to our local Sephora to find a bottle but we couldn’t find any of their duochrome polishes. Since we can’t tell which specific duo-colorants Sephora is using, we’ll have to take a small leap of faith here  and assume that their technology is similar to that used in other duo color products.

For example one chemical supplier, Kobo Products Inc., sells a line of iridescent effect pigments that are based on Synthetic Fluorphlogopite (and) Silica (and) Titanium Dioxide). The particle sizes of these pigments range from 30 to 120 microns (which is our clue to what may be changing.) These pigments consist of multiple layers of tiny “sheets” that can reflect light differently depending on the angle from which they are viewed.

Is there any way to fix a DuoChrome polish gone bad?

These mineral-based pigments are quite inert, chemically speaking, so they really should not change over time. But since the color effect depends in part on particle size it is possible that as the product ages some agglomeration occurs where the pigment particles clump together. This could result in a shifting of the color.Depending on the extent of the clumping, simple shaking of the product may or may not be sufficient to reverse the process. (Sometimes particles have an electro-static attraction which is not easily broken.) As Missionista pointed out in our Forum her products are about 8 years old so it’s not surprising that some clumping could occur. The best solution may be a shopping trip to Sephora.

Duo Color Nail Polish Ingredients from Sephora.com

Butyl Acetate,Ethyl Acetate,Nitrocellulose, Phthalic Anhydride/Trimellitic Anhydride/Glycols Copolymer, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Acrylates Copolymer, Adipic Acid/Fumaric Acid/Phthalic Acid/Tricyclodecane Dimethanol Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Polyvinyl Butyral, Citric Acid, Phosphoric Acid.

References:

www.sephora.com/nail-lacquer-P266305?skuId=1255512

www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/formulating/ingredient/pigment/167569285.html

Image credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/reactionphotography/

Source: thebeautybrains.com

Extra prenatal choline doesn't help kids' brains

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Taking extra choline during pregnancy does not improve babies' language and memory skills, according to a new study. "I think eating the recommended amount of choline, which is just about a half of a gram a day for pregnant women, would probably do you well," Dr. Steven Zeisel, the senior author of the study and a professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, told Reuters Health. "Going to high levels doesn't always give you improvement. ... Credit of the story

How Celebrity Trainers and Nutritionists Stay Healthy During Holiday Shopping

The Black Friday scene will be similar across the nation: on any trip to the mall, you'll be among similarly fraught people trying to score a good deal and check off their lists before all the gifts need to be stacked under the tree.

But unlike the rest of of those shoppers, you don't have to make your holiday shopping trip hectic, stressful, and fast-food-filled. We asked a few celebrity trainers, nutritionists, and dietitians to tell us what they pack in their purses to ensure that they stay healthy, happy, and stress-free during this hectic shopping season. Read on for their advice and recommendations!

View Slideshow › Read more...

Factores "irracionales" elevarían acceso a radioterapia al final de la vida

NUEVA YORK (Reuters Health) - Los costos y otros factores nomédicos impulsarían el acceso a la radioterapia para aliviar lossíntomas del cáncer en los últimos días de vida, indicó unreciente estudio. Un equipo de Estados Unidos que analizó las prestaciones deMedicare durante casi una década descubrió que una pequeñaproporción de los pacientes oncológicos había recibidoradioterapia en sus últimos 30 días de vida, pero a uno de cadacinco de ellos se le administró más dosis que las recomendadas. ... Get the complete story

Rapid action needed to halt malaria in Greece, say scientists

LONDON (Reuters) - Greek authorities must urgently step up control of mosquitoes and surveillance of infected people to stop malaria from re-establishing itself in the crisis-hit country, scientists said on Friday. Writing in online journal Eurosurveillance, they said recent outbreaks of the disease in the southern regions of Lakonia and East Attica were worrying. Tackling malaria requires measures such as insecticide spraying, eliminating standing water and tracking mosquito populations as well as people infected with the disease. ... Get the complete story

Shop for Mild Body Washes

Shop for Mild Body Washes
Since today is Black Friday and I know no one is reading this post anyway,  I thought it would a good time for some more shameless self promotion. If you’re a fan of the Beauty Brains you can help support us by shopping through our Amazon.com affiliate links. Once you lick on our link we [...]

Since today is Black Friday and I know no one is reading this post anyway,  I thought it would a good time for some more shameless self promotion.

If you’re a fan of the Beauty Brains you can help support us by shopping through our Amazon.com affiliate links. Once you lick on our link we get a small commission from ANYTHING you buy. It doesn’t cost you anything extra but it really helps us out!

So, here are a few links to put you in a shopping mood: these are some of the mildest body washes on the market because they’re made with an ingredient known as sodium cocoyl isethionate. Even if you’re not shopping for body wash, just click on one of these links before you shop for anything else!

Thanks again and happy Black Friday!

Image credit: http://www.fallingfifth.com/

Shop with our affiliate links and help support the Beauty Brains!

• Ahava Dermud Moisturizing Shower Cream
• Carol’s Daughter Goddess Flower Body Cleansing Cream
• Crabtree & Evelyn Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Spider Lily Body Polish
• I.C.O.N. One Soul Hair and Body Shampoo
• Nature’s Gate Papaya Velvet Moisture Body Wash
• Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Cleansing Mousse

Source: thebeautybrains.com

Roche, under fire, offers compromise in flu drug fight

Roche, under fire, offers compromise in flu drug fight

LONDON (Reuters) - Roche has offered an olive branch to scientific critics in a bid to end a bitter fight over blockbuster flu drug Tamiflu that has led to calls for a boycott of the Swiss drugmaker's products. Tamiflu has been approved by regulators worldwide and stockpiled by many governments in case of a global outbreak - but some researchers claim there is little evidence it works and have lobbied since 2009 for Roche to hand over all its data from clinical trials. Sales of the drug hit close to $3 billion in 2009, due to the H1N1 swine flu pandemic, although they have since declined. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Cancer drug ads don't boost inappropriate prescribing

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study ties advertising for breast cancer drugs known as aromatase inhibitors to a slight increase in the total number of prescriptions for those medications. But the extra prescriptions were limited to women with a medical reason for taking those drugs. The ads didn't seem to increase the inappropriate use of aromatase inhibitors, which include letrozole (marketed as Femara) and anastrozole (Arimidex). ... Click here to read the rest

Could Scratching An Itch Be Contagious?

Could Scratching An Itch Be Contagious?

Scratching can be catching, new research has shown.

Just like yawns, scratching an itch is contagious, say scientists.

The sight of someone trying to get rid of an itch can lead us to scratch ourselves - without even knowing it.

Researchers tested 30 volunteers to see if visual cues could trigger itching and compel them to scratch.

Participants were shown "itch-related" images such as ants, fleas, or skin rashes, or neutral photos including butterflies and healthy skin.

Some pictures only showed a possible cause of itching, such as ants crawling on the skin, while others depicted itchy people scratching or washing their hands.

TIPS: Scroll down to find out how you can cure skin irritations

As volunteers looked at each image, they were asked how itchy they felt. The scientists also recorded the number of times participants scratched themselves.

The results, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, showed that visual images alone can trigger itch sensations.

But it was watching another person scratching, rather than just seeing the cause of the itch, that led the volunteers to scratch themselves.

Lead scientist Professor Francis McGlone, from Liverpool John Moores University, said: "The results of the present study confirm that visual cues pertaining to itch-related events are effective in transmitting the sensation of itch from the visual to the somatosensory domain (the body's system relating to the sensation of touch) and provoking a scratch response.

"The results suggest that, whereas the sensation of itch may be effectively transmitted by viewing others experiencing itch-related stimuli on the body, the desire to scratch is more effectively provoked by viewing others' scratching.

"Our findings may help to improve the efficiency of treatment programmes for people suffering from chronic itch. Knowing the specific triggers of an individual's chronic itch and how visual stimuli translate to the physical may also provide insight into the mechanisms of 'psychosomatic itch', in which there are no physical triggers."

Nina Goad, of the British Association of Dermatologists, said: "Itch is often the worst symptom for people with skin disorders, and any research into its causes that may lead to new methods of alleviation will be greatly welcomed by the millions of skin patients.

"Combining elements of psychology with dermatology is an increasingly important area of research."

Related on HuffPost:

Source: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk

Actelion says lung drug macitentan submitted in Europe

Actelion says lung drug macitentan submitted in Europe
ZURICH (Reuters) - Actelion has submitted heart and lung drug macitentan to European health regulators, the second major step for the drug the Swiss group is positioning as a viable successor to its current top seller. "The European Medicines Agency will now start the formal review process," Actelion said on Thursday. It plans to sell the drug under the brand name Opsumit. Actelion, which submitted the treatment to the U.S. health regulator a month ago, issued data last month showing macitentan prolonged overall survival by more than a third in a clinical trial. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Docs Push for Over-the-Counter Pill

Docs Push for Over-the-Counter Pill
In an attempt to lower the alarmingly high rate of unplanned pregnancy -- and the high cost associated with it -- an expert panel of doctors recommended on Tuesday that birth control pills be made available without a prescription.
Source: abcnews.go.com

En los pacientes de Medicare es común que se repitan los tests

NUEVA YORK (Reuters Health) - La mitad o más de losbeneficiarios de Medicare repiten los tests cardíacos,pulmonares, estomacales o vesical en tres años, señala unestudio. Esas pruebas no deberían repetirse. Es más, en algunoscasos, como el ecocardiograma o la prueba de esfuerzo cardíaco,existen recomendaciones en contra de su uso rutinario. "Nos sorprendió la frecuencia con la que se repiten estaspruebas", dijo el autor principal, doctor H. Gilbert Welch, delInstituto para las Políticas de Salud y la Práctica Clínica deDartmouth, New Hampshire. ... Credit of the story

New Warning About Liquid Laundry Packets

New Warning About Liquid Laundry Packets

PeaPod Travel Tents by KidCo

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13043.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> KidCo PeaPod Travel Beds and PeaPod Plus Travel Beds, model number and tent fabric numbers: P100 Teal P101 Red P102 Lime P103 Periwinkle P104 Ocean P201 Princess/Red P202 Camouflage P203 Quick Silver P204 Sagebrush P205 Cardinal P900CS Green <strong>Reason:</strong> Suffocation hazard

Britax Car Seats

<strong><a href="http://www.britaxconvertiblerecall.com/" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Britax Boulevard 70-G3, Pavilion 70-G3, and Advocate 70-G3 convertible car seats in the USA and Boulevard 65-G3, Pavilion 65-G3, and Advocate 65-G3 convertible (infant/child) car seats in Canada. The products, manufactured between June and August of 2012, have a tag on the child's upper left hand side (near their head/ear) with manufacture date and model numbers on it. The recalled model numbers are below: USA: E9LJ91A, E9LJ91M, E9LJ91S, E9LJ92E, E9LJ93P, E9LJ93S, E9LK91A, E9LK31A, E9LK31Q, E9LK32D, E9LK32Z, E9LK33Q, E9LL11A, E9LL11Q, E9LL12D, E9LL12Z, E9LG81A, E9LG83N, E9LG83P, E9LG83X, E9LG83Y, E9LL21A, E9LL23P, E9LL23Y Canada: E9LK11A, E9LK11M, E9LK11S, E9LK13P, E9LK13S, E9LK41A, E9LK41Q, E9LK42D, E9LK42Z, E9LK43Q E9LG91A, E9LG93N, E9LG93P, E9LG93X, E9LG93Y <strong>Reason:</strong> Choking hazard

Imagine Nation Books Double Dazzler Light Show Toys

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13023.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Silver, plastic, baton-like toy with white plastic tubes at each end that become multi-colored spinning lights when operated. The wand or stick device is 10.5 inches long and has an "on" button in the center hold area. The battery pack is located at the center handhold location. The package states "DOUBLE DAZZLER LIGHT SHOW" and "Color Changing LEDs / Ages 8+ /Batteries Included." <strong>Reason:</strong> Burn hazard

Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13017.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Eddie Bauer Rocking Wood Bassinets. The bassinets have a dark brown wooden headboard and footboard and a cotton bassinet that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. "Eddie Bauer" is printed on a metal plate on the bassinet's footboard. These bassinets have a dial at the base of the footboard that locks and unlocks the rocking motion of the bassinet. Recalled bassinets have the following model numbers: 10632, 10639, 10832, 10835, 10839 and BT021. The model number is located under the mattress, on the top surface of the mattress support board or on the wash and care label. Sold at Target, Toys R Us and Sears stores nationwide and online at Ebay and other websites from December 2007 through January 2011 for about $150. <strong>Reason:</strong> Suffocation hazard

ValcoBaby Booster Seats

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13012.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> ValcroBaby booster toddler seat, both single and twin, designed to attach to Valco "Tri-Mode" and "Zee" strollers. Only booster seats with batch numbers 3111, 7819, 7822 and 7831 and model number TOD1058, TOD9109 and ZEE0649 are included in the recall. The batch and model numbers are printed on a label attached to the product frame. The seats have a black color fabric seat on white metal base frame. <strong>Reason:</strong> Fall hazard

Dream On Me Infant Swings

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13014.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> The Happy Swing II is a fabric infant swing that comes in red and green with a tray and grab bar attachment. The model/style number included in the recall is "432" which is printed on a label on the frame of the swing. The fabric swing sits on a triangular frame and is battery operated. Juvenile products stores and CSN stores nationwide and online at Wayfair and Amazon.com from October 2010 through September 2012 for between about $80 and $130. <strong>Reason:</strong> Strangulation hazard

Dream On Me Recalls High Chairs

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13013.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Bistro high chairs with model/style number "255" which is printed on a tag attached to the back of the seat. The high chair was sold in blue or pink. The fabric on the seat has a polka-dot design and "Dream On Me" is printed on a label attached to the front of the white tray. The recalled high chair was manufactured in July 2011 and has a date code printed on a label on the back of the chair. Sold at Americas Kids, Kid Pro USA and independent juvenile specialty stores and online at Toysrus.com between November 2011 and September 2012 for about $75. <strong>Reason:</strong> Strangulation Hazard

Trend Lab Children's Upholstered Chairs

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13010.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Club style and Mod style chairs. The Club style chairs come in three fabrics and colors: 1) suede in brown, pink, avocado green, red and turquoise blue; 2) velour in blue, green, pink and red; and 3) print fabric in chocolate dot on pink or blue. The Mod style chairs come in dark pink or zebra printed velour in chocolate on blue or pink; or on printed fabric of chocolate stripes on pink or blue. The Trend Lab name is on a label attached on the bottom of the chair with date codes TL1007C through TL0812C, which are read as TL two-digit month and two-digit year followed by C. These date codes include 10/07 thru 08/12 or October 2007 thru August 2012 production. All chairs were sold with matching ottomans, which are not part of the recall. New chairs with "Remedy 2012" stamped in ink on the bottom side of the chair are not subject to this recall. <strong>Reason:</strong> Laceration and choking hazard

Children's Apparel Network Recalls Fleece Hoodie and T-Shirt Sets Due to

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13008.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Two-piece coordinated set with fleece hoodie and t-shirt, sold in red/white, gray/red, and black/blue color combinations and in assorted sizes from 12M to 5T. The hoodies have Disney character designs in three different styles. "RN 16435" and the following identification number, corresponding to the style, are printed on the label along the hoodie's side seam: Style Description (Identification Number) Red Fleece Hoodie with Snow White (DP4253B) Grey Fleece Hoodie with Mickey Mouse (J4821) Blue Fleece Hoodie with Cars (J4820-A) Sold exclusively at Target <strong>Reason:</strong> Violation of lead paint standard

Graco Classic Wood Highchairs

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13006.html" target="_hplink">Item Recalled:</a></strong> Graco brand Classic Wood Highchairs Model number 3C00BPN, 3C00BPN TC, 3C00CHY, 3C00CHY TC, 3C00CPO or 3C00CPO TC is printed on a label on the underside of the seat assembly. Sold at Babies R Us, Burlington Coat Factory and other retail stores nationwide and at Target.com and Walmart.com and other online retailers between September 2007 and December 2010 for about $130. <strong>Reason:</strong> Fall hazard

Buy Buy Baby Pink Angel Girls' Denim Shorts

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml13/13004.html" target="_hplink">Item recalled:</a></strong> "Pink Angel" branded embroidered denim shorts for girl infants and toddlers in sizes 12M to 4T. Shorts come with a bright pink lace belt and feature two embroidered butterflies on the left front panel with decorative studs attached to the front and rear pockets. Style numbers B91540 or B11540 can be found on the hangtag of the shorts. <strong>Reason:</strong> Decorative studs on the denim shorts' pockets can detach and pose a choking hazard

Captain Cutlass Pirate Toy Guns

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12285.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Captain Cutlass Pirate Pistol toys with a brown plastic grip, a black metallic stock and barrel, and a muzzle with an orange cap. The double-barreled toy pistol has one trigger and two hammers. A skull and crossbones motif is engraved on the grip. Sold at Halloween and specialty stores nationwide from April 2008 through May 2012 for about $6.50. <strong>Reason:</strong> Lead paint violation

H&M Water Bottles

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12279.html" target="_hplink">Item Recalled:</a></strong> 16 oz. water bottles, pink plastic with a crackle design or blue plastic. "H&M Sweden" and "www.hm.com" are embossed on the bottom of the bottle. The recalled products were manufactured in June 2012. <strong>Reason:</strong> Choking hazard

Blind Xpress Window Blinds

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12273.html" target="_hplink">Item:</a></strong> Blind Xpress custom-made vertical blinds that do not have a cord-tensioning device that attaches to the wall or floor, as well as all horizontal blinds that do not have inner cord stop devices. Sold at blind stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana between 1995 and 2011. <strong>Reason:</strong> Strangulation risk, one death

Summer Infant Deluxe/Mother's Touch Baby Bather

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12262.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Deluxe/Mother's Touch Baby Bather with model numbers: 08020, 08050, 08054, 08070, 08401, 08409, 08404, 08405, 08650, 08655, 08659, 08754, 08940, 08944 18004, 18040, 18049, 18050, 18120, 18125, 18129, 18254, 18360, 18375, 18379, 18390, 18394, 18440, 18445, 18449, 18470, 18475, 18479 38510, 38515, 38750, 38755 <strong>Reason:</strong> Fall hazard and risk of serious head injury. 7 reports of head injuries, 4 of which resulted in skull fractures.

IDM Group CareBears Pacifier

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12254.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> The pacifiers and the clip attachment have CareBear figures and a "TCFC" copyright mark on them, nipple is made of silicone. Sold at various discount/dollar stores between October 2009 and June 2012. <strong>Reason:</strong> Choking hazard.

Kickboard USA Scooter

<a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12252.html" target="_hplink"><strong>Items Recalled:</strong></a> Three-wheeled "Mini Micro" Scooter, recalled model numbers and serial numbers are on a sticker on the bottom of the scooter: Model Number | Serial Number MM0079 | 00061617 to 00064364 and 00064767 to 00065762 MM0080 | 00066371 to 00666401 and 00097291 to 00098286 MM0109 | 00093571 to 00093870 MM0113 | 00067871 to 00068370 <strong>Reason:</strong> Laceration hazard

Bumbo Baby Seats

<a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12247.html" target="_hplink"><strong>Items Recalled:</strong></a> The bottom of the Bumbo seat is round and flat with a diameter of about 15 inches. It is constructed of a single piece of molded foam and comes in various colors. The seat has leg holes and the seat back wraps completely around the child. On the front of the seat in raised lettering is the word "Bumbo" with the image of an elephant on top. The bottom of the seat has the following words: "Manufactured by Bumbo South Africa Material: Polyurethane World Patent No. PCT: ZA/1999/00030." <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of serious injuries, falling resulting in skull fractures

Toysmith Animal Snap Bracelet

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12245.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Animal Snap Bracelets in assorted metallic fabrics with animal figures, including: Seahorse, Frog, Snake, Starfish, Crab, Lizard, Dolphin and Fish. Manufacturing date codes between 07/11 and 01/12 are printed on a sewn-in label found on the inside of the bracelet. <strong>Reason:</strong> Laceration hazard

Peg Perego Strollers

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12232.html" target="_hplink">Model Recalled:</a> </strong> Pliko-P3 Stroller Model Numbers: IPFR28US34xxxxxxxx, IPFT28NA63, IPFT28NA64, IPP328MU10, IPP328MU09, IPP328US09, IPP328US10, IPP329US10, IPPA28US32, IPPA28US33, IPPA28US34, IPPD28NA34, IPPF28NA32, IPPF28NA57, IPPF28NA65, IPPF28NA66, IPPF28NA67, IPPF28NA68, IPPO28US32, IPPO28US34, IPPO28US62, IPPO28US69, IPPO28US70, IPPO28US71 <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of entrapment and strangulation. One child death reported.

Peg Perego Strollers

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12232.html" target="_hplink">Model Recalled:</a> </strong> Venezia Stroller Model Numbers: IPVA13MU09, IPVA13MU10, IPVA13US09, IPVA13US10, IPVA13US32, IPVA13US34, IPVC13NA32, IPVC13NA34 <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of entrapment and strangulation. One child death reported.

Kolcraft Strollers

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12233.html" target="_hplink">Model Recalled:</a></strong> Contours Options LT tandem strollers with model number ZT012 <strong>Reason:</strong> Fall and choking hazards

Downeast Concepts Children's Beach Chairs

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12229.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Folding beach chairs, featuring white aluminum tube frames and pink, yellow, blue or purple fabric seats and chair backs with fish, palm trees or mermaid decorations <strong>Reason:</strong> Laceration hazard.

Innovage Kids Lamps

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12215.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Recalled products have both an 11-digit batch number that begins with either 584894 or 10128 and a model number of 1628626, 1642433, 1641522, 1641523, 1645729, or 1645853. <strong>Reason:</strong> Fire and burn hazards

PajamaGram Children's Pajamas

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12204.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Hoodie Footie for Girls | Pink with zip-off feet and hood | JSLHFP1 Hoodie Footie for Boys and Girls | Blue with zip-off feet and hood | JSLHFB1 Sweetheart Hoodie Footie for Girls | Pink with a red heart print and zip-off feet and hood | JSLHFV1 Winter Whimsy Hoodie Footie for Boys and Girls | Red with a snowman/penguin print and zip-off feet and hood | JSLHFW1 Lodge Fleece Set for Toddlers, Boys and Girls | Two-piece set. Blue shirt with moose appliqué and white moose/snowflake print pant | JSLLFB1 Snuggle Fleece Argyle Set for Girls | Two-piece set. Light blue shirt with pink and blue argyle print pant | JSLAFG1 Infant Lodge Fleece | One-Piece White with moose/snowflake print. Pajamas have feet and a front zipper | JSLLFB2 <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of burn injury

Ishtex Textile Products Children's Pajamas

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12205.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Includes pajamas with style numbers GB201, GB204, GB205, GB207, GB208, GB213, GB215, GB220, GB225, GB230, GB245, GB250, GB260, GB275, GB2001, GB2002, GB2011, GB2012, GB2021, GB2022, GB2031, GB2032, GB2041, GB2042, GB3001 and GB3011. <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of burn injury.

Rigo International Children's Lounge Pants And Boxers

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12206.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Academy pull-on lounge pants for boys and girls, and boxers for girls, includes identity numbers: 377676, 377677, 377678, 377679 454818, 454819, 454820, 454821, 454822, 454823, 454824, 454825, 454826, 454827, 454828, 454829 466629, 466630 555571, 555572 564822, 564904, 564938, 564939 <strong>Reason:</strong> Risk of burn injury.

Kolcraft Strollers

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12196.html" target="_hplink">Models Recalled:</a></strong> Kolcraft Contours Options three- and four-wheeled strollers Model numbers starting with ZL002, ZL005, ZL008, ZL015 and ZL018 <strong>Reason:</strong> Fingertip amputation and laceration hazards.

Evenflo Convertible High Chairs

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12192.html" target="_hplink">Models Recalled:</a></strong> Dottie Lime | 29111259 Dottie Rose | 29111271 Marianna | 29111234 <strong>Reason:</strong> Tray on high chair can unexpectedly detach and allow an unrestrained child to fall, posing a risk of injury to the child.

Toys "R" Us Imaginarium Activity Center

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12188.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Model number 46284 Toys "R" Us item number 295909 Barcode number 000799985462841 <strong>Reason:</strong> Choking hazard.

Liberty Mountain VAUDE Kenta Child Carriers

<a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12237.html" target="_hplink"><strong>Items Recalled</strong></a>: This recall involves backpack-style child carriers sold under the Kenta and Kenta Plus model name. "VAUDE" is printed on the back and between the shoulder straps of the carrier. "Kenta" or "Kenta Plus" is printed on the lower back or hip belt of the carrier. The carriers were sold in black, red and brown and were designed for children up to 31 pounds. <strong>Reason:</strong> Fall hazard

Green Toys(tm) Mini Vehicles

<strong><a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12238.html" target="_hplink">Items Recalled:</a></strong> Model names and numbers for the seven recalled vehicles or sets are listed in the table below. For Mini Vehicle (MVHA - 1014) and Fastback (MVFA-1022) sets the model numbers can be found on the bottom of the toys' packaging. In colors yellow, green, red, white and blue. <strong>Reason:</strong> Choking hazard.

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

In HP-Autonomy debacle, many advisers but little good advice

In HP-Autonomy debacle, many advisers but little good advice

(Reuters) - When Hewlett Packard acquired Autonomy last year for $11.1 billion, some 15 different financial, legal and accounting firms were involved in the transaction -- and none raised a flag about what HP said Tuesday was a major accounting fraud. HP stunned Wall Street with the allegations about its British software unit and took an $8.8 billion writedown, the latest in a string of reversals for the storied company. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Pfizer, Bristol get EU nod for blood clot preventer

(Reuters) - European health regulators on Tuesday approved an eagerly anticipated blood thinner developed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co and Pfizer Inc for preventing strokes and blood clots in patients with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, the companies said. The drug Eliquis, also known as apixaban, is widely considered one of the most important new products for the two U.S. drugmakers, with multibillion-dollar annual sales potential. The European approval was expected after an advisory panel this year recommended it for atrial fibrillation. ...

Read more

WATCH: Robin Roberts' Health Update

WATCH: Robin Roberts' Health Update

Robin Roberts updated viewers on her health and discussed the death of her mother during an interview with her sister Sally-Ann for New Orleans' WWL-TV. A portion of the interview aired on Tuesday's "Good Morning America."

Roberts taped the interview on Friday from the hospital. "I have to admit...I thought we would be doing [this interview] in my home. We're here in the hospital, just a little tune-up, check under the hood, kick the tires a little bit," Roberts said. The "GMA" co-host was briefly hospitalized because a common latent virus was not responding to medication.

It has been 61 days since Roberts received a bone marrow transplant to treat a rare blood and bone marrow disorder, MDS. Sally-Ann donated her bone marrow to her sister. Because the transplant wipes the immune system, the first 100 days are crucial to Roberts' recovery as her body rebuilds itself.

Speaking of getting her transplant, Roberts said, "When I think of that moment and what it was like, you can say rebirth, to be reborn. It's a new beginning. It's like you gave me life...You gave me life. And I look at it as a clean slate and how many people can say at this point in their life that they get a do over? That they get a chance to start again? And that's how I feel, that in many ways I am starting again."

Roberts turned from discussing her health and the support she's received to discussing the death of her mother. Roberts' mother passed away days before she entered the hospital to receive the transplant. "I truly believe that she knew that she was not able to do the work that she wanted to do as mom here in her physical vessel. And so she found a way to be with me," Roberts said while fighting back tears.

"I have felt the prayers, I have felt people lifting me up," she said.

Also on HuffPost:

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Preventing Skin Cancer by Recognizing Melanoma Symptoms Early

Preventing Skin Cancer by Recognizing Melanoma Symptoms Early
Melanoma is a worrisome form of skin cancer that could lead to more serious health issues if left undiagnosed. Melanoma is not as common as other forms of skin cancer but it does cause majority of the deaths from the disease. Learn how to prevent it by recognizing melanoma symptoms early.
Source: EzineArticles.com

Women With Breast Cancer Wait Weeks Before Surgery

FIRST PERSON | New research shows that Medicare patients with breast cancer wait as long as 32 days before surgery. This wait is typical in the United States. It is not only older women that have a long wait. I first found a lump in my breast in September 2011. My first surgery was not until November 2011. The wait was not on my end -- in northwest Arkansas, it takes at least three weeks to get an appointment with anyone. Click here to read the rest

House Republicans to FDA: no meningitis action without documents

House Republicans to FDA: no meningitis action without documents

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republicans on a congressional panel investigating a deadly meningitis outbreak linked to tainted drugs have told the top U.S. drug regulator not to expect new authority to prevent future problems until the agency hands over documents about its role in the current crisis. As the number of meningitis cases edged toward the 500-mark, the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee's Republican majority staff released on Monday a letter that gave the Food and Drug Administration until the end of November to comply with a document request first made in ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Are Tantrums A Psychiatric Diagnosis?

Are Tantrums A Psychiatric Diagnosis?

Naming a syndrome gives it power, which is why changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, are so closely watched. When the American Psychiatric Association adds or deletes from this listing every decade or so, they are shaping how mental disorders are viewed and treated.

Next year will bring the fifth revision in the manual’s history -- to be called DSM-V -- and one possible addition has caught the eye of those who watch closely. As neuroscience blog Neuroskeptic reported recently, the newest edition might contain “disruptive mood dysregulation disorder,” and that site and others are questioning whether this is truly something new in need of medical attention, or something old as time, instead -- just medical-ese for temper tantrums.

The proposed criteria for a DMDD diagnosis would include: “severe recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation” at least three times a week, leading David Dobbs, who writes the “Neuron Culture” blog for Wired to ask:

"Do you know any kids like that? If you don’t, then you don’t know many kids. This could be anything, like the meltdown when the shoes can’t be found, the homework got lost, or the braids aren’t quite right. Crimey, I met this criteria last week, just yelling at Karl Rove."

Previously announced changes to the manual are already causing controversy, particularly the decision to eliminate Asperger’s Syndrome as a separate diagnosis and merge it into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In an age when diagnosis has become identity, that move was widely criticized by “Aspies” who take pride in their diagnosis.

The reaction to the possibility of a new DMDD diagnosis, in turn, is raising almost the opposite objection. Rather than “unlabeling” something some felt was unique, as was the case with Asperger’s, the charge here is that something “run of the mill” -- misbehavior, rather than hard-wired difference -- is being pathologized.

“Psychiatry Set to Medicalize Hissy Fits,” reads the headline on the Wired story, which goes on to note that two existing diagnoses -- “conduct disorder” and “oppositional defiant disorder” -- already cover much of what is included in DMDD.

Neuroskeptic has been following the evolution of the DMDD diagnosis for several years, comparing it to “fighting a fire with kerosene.” The reason the syndrome was named in the first place, the website author, described as a British neuroscientist, writes, was because psychiatrists believed that bipolar disorder was being overdiagnosed in American children, and this would provide an alternative. “Is the only way to stop kids from getting one diagnosis, to give them another one?" he asks. "Can’t we just decide to diagnose people less?”

Earlier on HuffPost:

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Why Sanofi's Zaltrap Deal Won t Help Patients

Why Sanofi's Zaltrap Deal Won t Help Patients Read more

One in 20 youth has used steroids to bulk up: study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - About five percent of middle and high school students have used anabolic steroids to put on muscle, according to a new study from Minnesota. In addition to steroid use, more than one-third of boys and one-fifth of girls in the study said they had used protein powder or shakes to gain muscle mass, and between five and 10 percent used non-steroid muscle-enhancing substances, such as creatine. Researchers said a more muscular body ideal in the media may be one factor driving teens to do anything possible to get toned, as well as pressure to perform in sports. ... Read more

Questions of Blame Linger 34 Years After Jonestown

Questions of Blame Linger 34 Years After Jonestown
Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple took 1,000 Americans to Guyana for a utopian society, but the commune became a prison and 919 died, most in the largest mass suicide in U.S. history.
Source: abcnews.go.com

Beauty Science News – November 18

Beauty Science News – November 18
It’s an all “true or false” edition of Beauty Science News. Click the links to read the articles for your answers or scroll down for the answer decoder. True or false: A new perfume called “Chicago” is made only from extracts of flowers grown in the windy city. True or false: Eyelash growth enhancers can also [...]

It’s an all “true or false” edition of Beauty Science News. Click the links to read the articles for your answers or scroll down for the answer decoder.

1. True or false: A new perfume called “Chicago” is made only from extracts of flowers grown in the windy city.
2. True or false: Eyelash growth enhancers can also grow hair on your head.
3. True or false: Women would rather gain a few more pounds than get more wrinkles.
4. True or false: Getting your tooth tattooed may help prevent cavities.
5. True or false: Although they can spice up food, researchers find that spices like ginger, cinnamon and curry are actually powerful anti-irritants.

During this holiday season ANY purchase you make on Amazon.com helps to cover the expenses of running the Beauty Brains blog. You don’t have to buy anything extra and it doesn’t cost you ANYTHING, we make a small commission from any of your regular purchases as long as you click this link below before going to Amazon.com:  

Shop on Amazon and support the Beauty Brains

Answers:  1. T, 2. T, 3. F, 4. T, 5. F

Source: thebeautybrains.com

Questions of Blame Linger 34 Years After Jonestown

Questions of Blame Linger 34 Years After Jonestown
Jim Jones of the Peoples Temple took 1,000 Americans to Guyana for a utopian society, but the commune became a prison and 919 died, most in the largest mass suicide in U.S. history.
Source: abcnews.go.com

Stretches to Soothe a Tender Lower Back

A little overzealous at the gym yesterday? If you woke up with a tight or sore lower back, follow this short stretching sequence for instant relief.

Cat and Cow to Wide Child's Pose

Stand on your hands and knees. Do a few rounds of Cat and Cow, slowly rounding the back and tucking your chin and then arching the back and looking up. Come back to a neutral spine position, widen your knees slightly, and press back into Wide Child's Pose. Stay for a few breaths and then begin circling the hips in a clockwise direction for a few breaths, then switch directions. Repeat three more times, and end with five more breaths of Wide Child's Pose.

Supported Seated Straddle to Side Stretch

Continue reading to learn the rest of the stretching sequence. Read more...

Gaza hospitals stretched, need supplies to treat wounded: WHO

GENEVA (Reuters) - Gaza hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties from Israel's bombings and face critical shortages of drugs and medical supplies, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Saturday. The U.N. health agency appealed for $10 million from donors to meet the need for drugs and supplies over the next three months. Officials in Gaza said 43 Palestinians, nearly half of them civilians including eight children, had been killed since Israel began its air strikes. Three Israeli civilians were killed by a rocket fired from the enclave on Thursday. ... Credit of the story

GOP Govs Reject Key Provision Of Obama Healthcare Reform

GOP Govs Reject Key Provision Of Obama Healthcare Reform

By David Morgan

WASHINGTON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Five Republican governors rejected on Friday a major provision of President Barack Obama's healthcare reform law that calls on U.S. states to set up online health insurance markets where consumers can purchase private coverage at federally subsidized rates.

That makes it likely that the federal government will establish its own markets, known as healthcare exchanges, in those states and potentially supplant state control of private individual insurance markets.

But in what could be a sign of thawing relations between administration officials and some state Republican leaders, three of the five governors -- representing Ohio, Michigan and Florida -- expressed a willingness to work with Washington as reforms inch toward a Jan. 1, 2014, deadline for full operation.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said they would not cooperate at all.

Missouri Governor Jeremiah Nixon, a Democrat, said the state would not run its own exchange but did not take a position on a federal partnership. He said the state legislature could take up the issue early next year.

Meanwhile, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, a Republican, deferred to the state's governor-elect, Mike Pence, also Republican, who has said he intends to oppose both a state-based exchange and a federal partnership after assuming office next year.

The announcements came a day after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extended its deadline for states to say whether they would operate their own exchanges. The positions reveal an emerging split between Republican governors who had appeared to form a united front against healthcare reform before Obama's Nov. 6 reelection ensured the law's implementation.

Many governors have dragged their feet on implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, hoping Republican Mitt Romney would defeat Obama and repeal the law. They are now deciding whether to set up their own exchanges, accept a partnership with the federal government or allow Washington to take control.

"What this reflects is the difficult position of some of these governors," said Jennifer Tolbert of the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation, which tracks healthcare issues. "While they may oppose the new reform law and its requirements, some also don't want the federal government to come in and run the exchange and take over that responsibility."

Friday was the original deadline for states to tell the administration whether they plan to operate their own exchanges and file blueprints to show how they would do it. The administration extended the deadline to Dec. 14 after governors requested more time to comply.

The Affordable Care Act is scheduled to extend health coverage to more than 30 million uninsured Americans beginning Jan. 1, 2014. About half of those would be covered by exchanges, designed to allow working families to purchase coverage at subsidized rates.

A MEETING IN FLORIDA?

At least 17 states already have told the administration that they will create their own exchanges, according to sources familiar with the situation. An HHS spokeswoman could not confirm that number. Experts predicted the total could rise to 20 by the time the new deadline passes.

As many as 15 states from Georgia and Texas to Wyoming and Maine opposed the exchanges outright before the election.

But some of those, including Nebraska, have since opted to work with the federal government on an exchange. Others say they are still deliberating. Over the past week, Kansas has rejected all participation in an exchange while Nebraska has agreed to seek a federal partnership.

States that reject the call for state-run exchanges but opt for a federal partnership could better ensure smooth market operations for residents than states that reject exchanges outright, experts say. They could also have an easier time adopting a state-based operation in coming years.

All five Republican governors who announced their plans on Friday complained that the Obama administration has been slow to release details about how exchanges should operate and complained that the law has proved too inflexible to meet the needs of individual states.

"At this point, based on the information we have, states do not have any flexibility to build and manage exchanges in ways that respond to unique needs of their citizens or markets," Ohio Governor John Kasich said in a Nov. 16 letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an HHS agency that is implementing the law's exchange provision.

"Regardless of who runs the exchange, the end product is the same," he added.

But Kasich and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder both suggested their positions could change as details emerge.

Florida's Republican governor, Rick Scott, said in a letter to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that he could not see how an exchange would improve healthcare access while lowering costs for Florida residents.

But Scott said Florida was willing to "partner" with the administration to find a solution. He invited Sebelius to a meeting to discuss the issues.

States have until Feb. 15, 2013, to say whether they would prefer a federal partnership exchange.

Whatever the choice, Sebelius has pledged that Americans in all 50 states will have access to coverage through exchanges when the Affordable Care Act comes into full force in 2014.

Related on HuffPost:

Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Tulsa Town Hall: Nutrition a valuable tool in health care

American physicians tend to focus more on disease management than health care and tend to ignore topics such as nutrition that can play a large part in a person's well-being, Dr. Andrew Weil said Friday.

Continue reading...

Donohue: Is e.d. a side effect of blood pressure meds?

Donohue: Is e.d. a side effect of blood pressure meds?
The medication solved my blood pressure problem but created, I assume, another: erectile dysfunction.
Source: lubbockonline.com

Should doctors add a birth control "vital sign"?

Should doctors add a birth control "vital sign"?
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - An effort to develop a birth control "vital sign" measure gets doctors to document women's use of contraception, but it doesn't make them any more likely to include family planning counseling during visits, according to a new study. The proposed "vital sign" consists of questions about contraception and pregnancy. "We were hoping that this would be a prompt for much more provision of counseling by clinicians and what we saw was it only minimally affected the type of counseling that women were given," said Dr. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Ireland to clarify abortion rules after woman's death

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's government pledged on Thursday to clarify its abortion laws after an Indian woman who was refused a termination died from blood poisoning in an Irish hospital. Thousands took to the streets to protest on Wednesday after news broke of the death of Savita Halappanavar of septicemia following a miscarriage 17 weeks into her pregnancy. Activists in the overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country, which has some of the world's most restrictive laws on abortion, say the refusal by doctors to terminate the pregnancy earlier may have contributed to her death. ...

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Lovely YouTube comment left for me to read today… What is wrong with people? Tweet

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Migration officials say cholera in Haiti on rise

Migration officials say cholera in Haiti on rise
The world's largest agency that deals with global migration says cholera is again on the rise in Haiti.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Australia reports deadly bird flu in New South Wales

Australia reports deadly bird flu in New South Wales
PARIS (Reuters) - Australia has reported its first case of a highly pathogenic bird flu virus in 15 years at an egg farm in the New South Wales region, the World animal health body OIE said on Thursday. So far 5,000 poultry have died in the infected farm in Maitland, 160 km (100 miles) north of Sydney, but 50,000 are at risk, a report by the Australian agriculture ministry to the Paris-based OIE said. The virus, detected last week, is different from the deadly H5N1 strain, which was first detected in 1997 in Hong Kong and has since devastated duck and chicken and caused hundreds of deaths. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

Doctors, others demand clearer Irish abortion law

Doctors, others demand clearer Irish abortion law

Pressure mounted Thursday for the Irish government to draft a law spelling out when life-saving abortions can be performed — a demand that came after a pregnant woman who was denied an abortion died.

Source: news.yahoo.com

How to make `Good Cholesterol' work to reverse heart disease.

How to make `Good Cholesterol' work to reverse heart disease.
How to make `Good Cholesterol' work to reverse heart disease.
Source: news.yahoo.com

Scientists identify new risk gene for Alzheimer's

Scientists identify new risk gene for Alzheimer's

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Two international teams of scientists have identified a rare mutation in a gene linked with inflammation that significantly increases the risk for the most common form of Alzheimer's disease, the first such discovery in at least a decade. The findings, published on Wednesday in the New England Journal of Medicine, offer new insights into the underpinnings of Alzheimer's, a deadly, brain-wasting disease that robs people of their memories, their independence and their lives. ...

Source: news.yahoo.com

Diabetes cases hit record and half go undiagnosed

Diabetes cases hit record and half go undiagnosed
LONDON (Reuters) - Diabetes is running at record levels worldwide and half the people estimated to have the disease are, as yet, undiagnosed, according to a report on Wednesday. The number of people living with diabetes is now put at 371 million, up from 366 million a year ago, with numbers expected to reach 552 million by 2030, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) said. Diabetes is often viewed as a western problem, since the vast majority of people have type 2 disease which is linked to obesity and lack of exercise. ...
Source: news.yahoo.com

What's Your Policy On Coming In To The Office Sick?

What's Your Policy On Coming In To The Office Sick?

You want to be sympathetic and polite about the coughing and sneezing coworker a few desks away, but honestly, you wish she'd stayed home.

Nearly 80 percent of office workers polled come to work even when they know they are sick, according to the third annual Flu Season Survey from Staples, the office supplies folks based in Framingham, Mass., who will sell you a desk, phone and a case of antiseptic wipes to keep them free of germs and dirt.

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More than two-thirds of those surveyed said they return to work while they remain contagious. (You know who they are.)

Worry about completing assignments was the No. 1 reason workers came to work while ill. More than a quarter said they didn't want to use up a sick day. A majority of those conceded that they weren't working on all cylinders while not feeling well in the office.

It gets worse.

- Survey data shows only half employees clean their desks once a week or less, even though germs live for up to three days on a desk, especially the dreaded keyboard, one of the dirtiest germ catchers in the office. Cough into hands, wipe nose on wrist, pound those germs into the keyboard.

- Think door knobs are the dirtiest places in the office (like 25 percent of those surveyed)? A smart 6 percent correctly identify the break room sink as the dirtiest, followed by the office microwave, which only 8 percent selected.

- One to three days are necessary to stay home when sick with the flu, according to 65 percent. However, the flu virus may be contagious for one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.

The flu virus is responsible for approximately 70 million missed workdays and an estimated $10 billion in lost office productivity, the survey said.

Employees could do more to keep the workplace healthy: Half of office workers don’t clean their work spaces regularly and are unaware of the dirtiest surfaces in the office. And in many places, no one knows for sure who's responsible for keeping offices clean.

The task often falls to facility managers and building service contractors. Almost 40 percent of FMs and their staff don't clean occupants’ personal work spaces because they are asked not to. More than half of respondents said they barely increase cleaning efforts during flu season.

Facility managers complained that:

- More employees work in the same or smaller space (53 percent).

- Not enough staff to adequately clean (46 percent).

- A decrease in budget for cleaning products (21 percent) with half of respondents citing that they are unable to provide hand sanitizer and 40 percent unable to provide tissues for employees.

However, survey results revealed that nearly half of all respondents believed they would need less than a 10 percent budget increase to adequately address germ control in their buildings. More than 50 percent of FM’s aren’t ordering cleaning and disinfecting chemicals.

The Staples survey suggests that employers offer and encourage telecommuting to employees who are unwell but still want to work. Products that kill germs (and all of which Staples sells) should be provided like sanitizing wipes, touch-free restroom fixtures, waterless hand sanitizers and antibacterial soap in restrooms and break rooms. Survey results show break rooms need special attention, as most workers aren’t aware of the hidden germs lurking there.

"More Workers Come to the Office Sick, Poll Says" originally appeared on Everyday Health.

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Source: www.huffingtonpost.com

Diabetes cases hit record and half go undiagnosed

LONDON (Reuters) - Diabetes is running at record levels worldwide and half the people estimated to have the disease are, as yet, undiagnosed, according to a report on Wednesday. The number of people living with diabetes is now put at 371 million, up from 366 million a year ago, with numbers expected to reach 552 million by 2030, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) said. Diabetes is often viewed as a western problem, since the vast majority of people have type 2 disease which is linked to obesity and lack of exercise. ... Credit of the story

Head injury, pesticides tied to Parkinson's disease

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The combination of a past serious head injury and pesticide exposure may be linked to an extra-high risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests. The findings don't prove being knocked unconscious or exposed to certain chemicals directly causes Parkinson's, a chronic movement and coordination disorder. But they are in line with previous studies, which have linked head trauma and certain toxins - along with family history and other environmental exposures - to the disease. ... Click here to read the rest