Hot MedFax

Seriously, experts now think there may be a gene in our bodies that might predispose us to killing ourselves. According to newswise.com, Johns Hopkins researchers say they have discovered a chemical alteration in a single human gene linked to stress reactions that, if confirmed in larger studies, could give doctors a simple blood test to reliably predict a person’s risk of attempting suicide. The discovery, described online in The American Journal of Psychiatry , suggests that changes in a gene involved in the function of the brain’s response to stress hormones plays a significant role in turning what might otherwise be an unremarkable reaction to the strain of everyday life into suicidal thoughts and behaviors, much like, I suppose the turning of a normal cell into a cancer cell. “Suicide is a major preventable public health problem, but we have been stymied in our prevention efforts because we have no consistent way to predict those who are at increased risk of killin...

One of the worst things about Alzheimer's disease has always been that there's no way to prevent it.  But that may be changing.  A new study has found that a protein may inhibit the beginning of the disease. According to newswise.com, scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified a compound in animal studies that reduced by more than half the levels of amyloid ( a starchlike protein that is deposited in the liver, kidneys, spleen, or other tissues in certain diseases) proteins in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers hope that someday a treatment based on the molecule could be used to ward off the neuro-degenerative disease since it may be safe enough to be taken daily over many years. Amyloid beta contributes to the plaques that develop in the Alzheimer's brain.  “What we want in an Alzheimer’s preventive is a drug that modestly lowers amyloid beta and is also safe for long-term use,” the Web site quotes Martin J. Sadows...

Early on, when I was being treated for what was at the time considered breast cancer (now called "precancer"), I was told go on tamoxifen, a drug that would prevent recurrence.  It's the standard protocol and now women who are at high risk of the disease are also being told to take it. But the drug has risks, and although mild, they're still there.  One is hot flashes, irregular or ended menstrual periods, weight gain, lots of pretty things. I went off it when my second set of precancerous cells were found (hadn't worked for me!), but many women don't want to go on it at all.  Is this wise?  If you're at high risk, probably not. But a study  is being conducted to find out whether "flaxseed, a natural food, has the potential to be a safe and effective alternative for preventing breast cancer in women," according to newswise.com. Many physicians currently recommend prevention strategies that. while they may decrease the chance of being dia...

Who's healthier?  You or your car? It's the theme of a cute new commercial, with the guy I adore (used to be on QVC) asking people all these questions.  (Wish he'd take off that baseball cap, but maybe he has no hair under it?) The new question is, what's in better shape, you or your car . Predictably, the folks all say their car, including the guy who says he needs a new wheel, but his car is doing great. But what's the truth of this?  Do we take better care of our cars?  Sue Curry, PhD, recently blogged on at the Huffington Post that this is a matter not to be taken lightly.  While cars have gotten smaller and more compact, we've gone the opposite way.  She references Martin Becker, a renown "healthcare promoter," as she describes him, who facetiously noted that "we should weigh less than our cars." But in the years since he said this, she reports, "Cars have become lighter and we all know what's happened to our weight....

Are there really things you can eat to ward off the flu? Some docs think so.  Believe it or not, zinc-rich foods like seafood, chicken and red meat.  Though who wants to think about a nice juicy burger when your throat's so sore even water hurts.  Probably the worst thing about the flu?  Forget those hot toddies.  Absolutely no alcohol. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/01/17/what-foods-to-seek-or-avoid-during-cold-and-flu-season/