(Best Syndication New) - Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research, found an increased risk for kidney failure in people who have atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. In general, kidney function can fail over time with the chronic condition which can lead to dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant. Kidney problems are more likely to worsen in atrial fibrillation patients who already have kidney function impairment. The study results were published in the journal Circulation.

Irregular heart rhythm is a very common type of atrial fibrillation. Patients who have atrial fibrillation along with chronic kidney disease or end stage-renal disease (ESRD) are at an increased risk for suffering from a stroke or death. The researchers wanted to understand why atrial fibrillation patients with kidney disease are more likely to have end-stage renal disease compared to those with chronic kidney disease only.

(Best Syndication News) - Reducing sugar intake may slightly lower body weight, according to a new study,. The researchers found sugar intake reductions helped reduce body weight by an average of 1.76 pounds. The study results were published online at bmj.com.

Previous research suggested that an excessive intake of sugar is related to obesity. One common finding: people who drank sugar-sweetened beverages were at an increased risk for becoming obese. However, the authors noted that some studies could not establish a significant link between sugared beverages and obesity.

(Best Syndication News) - Researchers found that people who drank sweetened beverages had an increased risk for depression. The risk was especially elevated with those who drank diet drinks. However, people who drank coffee had a slightly reduced risk for depression. The study results will be shared at the American Academy of Neurology’s 65th Annual Meeting in San Diego, which is scheduled to be held March 16-23, 2013.

The study author, Honglei Chen, MD, PhD, a member of the American Academy of Neurology, along with the National Institutes of Health in Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, explained that drinking sweetened beverages versus coffee and tea might affect mental health in addition to physical health.

(Best Syndication News) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed concern for consumers who take certain medications containing zolpidem to treat insomnia. The medication could cause the user to be less capable at completing activities that require full attention, such as driving a vehicle.

Because of this concern, the FDA has notified the manufacturers of the sleep drugs containing zolpidem to lower the recommended dose. Zolpidem is marketed as a generic or under the brand names of Ambien (oral tablet), Edluar (tablet placed under the tongue), and Zolpimist (oral spray). Additionally, the FDA is currently trying to determine the risk of next-morning impairment in other sleep drugs and OTC products.

(Best Syndication News) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a voluntary recall, on behalf of Fisher-Price Inc., of around 800,000 Newborn Rock ‘N Play Sleepers do to possible mold exposure. Consumers who have an infant sleeper involved in the recall that has mold should stop using the unit. The recall does not include current units that are on store shelves.

The recalled infant sleepers were sold at mass merchandise retail stores nationally and online since September 2009. They retailed between $50 and $85. Additionally, only the products that have mold are being recalled. The Rock ‘N Play sleepers came in 14 different patterns and colors and were designed for babies weighing up to 25 pounds. A metal rocking frame suspends the soft plastic seat. A fabric cover is removable.