Although the Internet is fairly new (at least to the mainstream) online shopping has grown by leaps and bounds. Now you can buy almost anything you need, from food to fishing equipment, right through your computer. Of course, this has meant that commerce has been forced to adapt to the changing consumer landscape and some industries have been scrambling to catch up with the crowd.

It is no different for the pharmaceutical industry as online pharmacies appear to be popping up everywhere you turn. The prevalence of online pharmacies is a hot topic, especially when it comes to foreign-based companies selling prescription and non-prescription drugs to Americans for lower, more affordable prices. But in addition to foreign-based online pharmacies are a growing number of U.S. based companies offering medication to Americans ­ making it easier and more convenient to receive much needed prescription drugs.  The Economic Implications of Buying Drugs Online - Canadian and US Internet Pharmacies For Generic and Name Brands

Sleep Apnea patients have to go into a lab to conduct a sleep study.  They have to get wires hooked up to them and it is a difficult sometimes to fall asleep and get an accurate diagnosis of sleep apnea.  It is also an expensive test because it is in a lab and can take 1-2 sessions to get a diagnosis.  This new technology is using sensors in the mattress, pillow, and clothing to make it more comfortable to be diagnosed with apnea.  The researchers have it connected to a wireless network so that the patient would be able to sleep in their own bed and transfer the sleep data with minimal discomfort.  Sleep Sensing Technology could help diagnose Sleep Apnea and Keep Drivers Awake

Deodorants that contain aluminum salts may increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.  Dr. Philippa Darbre from the University of Reading believes that more research should be conducted to further determine that it actually causes cancer.

The reason why scientists believe that the aluminum salts found in deodorants is harmful is because of the ability to mimic the oestrogen hormone in the body. If the deodorant can break through the skin it could become possible for the aluminum salts to enter the body.  A recent article published in the Journal of Applied Toxicology believes that research would be important to determine if the deodorant indeed increases the risk of breast cancer.  Breast Cancer – Possible increased risk by using Antiperspirant Deodorant

"Obesity increases the risk of contracting cancer," said Dr. Javier Salvador, Director of the Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition at the University Hospital of the University of Navarra.

Dr. Javier said that more people are overweight than ever before.  It is found in both industrialized countries and in developing countries as well.  He points out that in Spain 15% of the population suffers from obesity and 54% are overweight.  He believes that the cause for obesity is by people eating more calories and having a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr. Javier’s concerns for Western society is a rise in infant obesity. When these obese babies grow up they will become obese adults.  There are more obese children that are developing type II diabetes at young ages.  Cancer Risk increases with Obesity – More Young Children and Adults Overweight

New research reinforces the belief that there is a connection between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, as well as premature births.  Now it appears that one way to reduce the risk of heart disease may be to manage other risk factors for the disease as well, including dental hygiene.  Dr. Moise Desyarieux, MD said "It appears a relationship exists, but we don't know exactly what it is and if it is a causal relationship.  Therefore, we can't make recommendations for people with periodontal disease in respect to cardiovascular disease." 

Dr. Desvarieux is an infectious disease epidemiologist in the Department of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health.  His team coordinated the (INVEST) study to investigate the oral health-cardiovascular disease relationship.

The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease should also be addressed.  Dr. Desvarieux said "To reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease, patients must manage all their risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, and weight."  Premature Birth and Gum Disease Link - Periodontal Ailments Linked to Heart Illness, Early Births and Type 2 Diabetes  

Scientists have known about a link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and a higher risk of lymphoma for sometime.  They were unsure whether it was due to the drugs or the condition.  Now it appears the culprit is the condition.  A study associates chronic, severe inflammation with the increased risk of cancer.

Swedish researchers have conducted the largest investigation concerning the link between RA and lymphoma.  The statistical analysis revealed risk ratios for lymphoma for three different levels of overall disease activity.  They assessed RA according to the duration and how swollen and tender joint were.  Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation Associated with Lymphoma Cancer - Drug Treatments Did Not Increase Risk of Epstein Bar Virus Positive Lymphoma

This study shows that early treatment of prostrate cancer with radiation therapy or surgery may prolong survival rates compared to patients that are just observed to see if it gets worse before treating.  The study looked at the data of 48,000 men between the ages of 65 and 80 that had survived for at least one year after being diagnosed with localized prostate cancer from 1991 through 1999.  Yu-Ning Wong, M.D., an oncologist from the Fox Chase Cancer Center, presented the results of this study at the 2006 Prostate Cancer Symposium February 25^th, in San Francisco.

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer can be diagnosed with a PSA (prostate-specific-antigen) blood test.  This blood test can detect very early stages of prostate cancer that are usually watched and not necessarily treated.  It is possible that the early prostate cancer may not be life threatening and may grow slowly.  Early Treatment of Prostrate Cancer had better Survival Rate

Stem cell research and treatment may yield extraordinary results for ailments including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, cancer and diabetes.  Embryonic stem cells also show promise for people that are paralyzed. 

The CBS News program 60 minutes ran a segment on the subject Sunday night.  Ed Bradley’s report included an interview with Dr. Hans Keirstead, a 38-year-old biologist, who said he is ready to try a stem cell procedure on people paralyzed by spinal cord injuries.  The doctor’s earlier trial showed success in treating a laboratory rat whose hind legs were completely paralyzed. 

Amazingly, after injecting the rat with human embryonic stem cells, the paralyzed rat was able to move its hind legs.  Dr. Keirstead told Mr. Bradley that “If it does the same thing in humans, I think we’ve hit something here that’s gonna be truly remarkable."  He hopes to begin clinical trials on patients that have recently been paralyzed first.  Embryonic Stem Cell Treatments Show Promise for Degenerative Diseases and Paralysis - Alzheimer's Parkinson's Cancer Heart Disease and More

The Government is looking at substances that may offer hope in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease, as opposed to just treating the symptoms.  Various compounds will be tested including Co-Enzyme Q-10 (CoQ10), creatine, minocycline and GPI-1485. 

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is finalizing plans to enroll hundreds of early-stage Parkinson’s patients in this study.  An earlier study funded by the NIH found that creatine and minocycline may warrant further consideration.  Dr. Karl Kieburtz of the University of Rochester told the World Parkinson Congress last week that while the news is encouraging, the results do not demonstrate that these agents are effective in Parkinson’s disease.  His results will be published the March 14 issue of Neurology. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have organized a nationwide multi-center effort called NET-PD (Neuroprotection Exploratory Trials in Parkinson's Disease).   Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials will Include Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Creatine Minocycline and GPI-1485 Treatment Options

Researchers in Los Angeles believe they have linked a gene mutation that regulates how potassium enters cells to a neurodegenerative disease and to another disorder that causes mental retardation and coordination problems.  This discovery may lead to treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. 

The movement disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia, usually appears in adulthood and causes loss of neurons in the brain's cerebellum, resulting in progressive loss of coordination (ataxia).  According to Dr Stefan Pulst "This type of gene has never before been linked to nerve cell death."  Dr. Pulst, of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, led the new study. 

Dr. Pulst and his colleagues looked for the gene that caused the neurodegenerative movement disorder spinocerebellar ataxia in a Filipino family.  They believe the gene called KCNC3 may have something to do with ataxia.  Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease Treatment May Involve Gene Therapy - UCLA Researchers Found KCNC3 Gene Mutation

Researchers from the Harvard Medical School found out why special forms of gold, platinum and other types of medicinal metals help treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. They found that these metal help to strip away bacteria and virus particles from a key immune system protein.  The findings are reported in the February 27th issue of Nature Chemical Biology.

Gold has been used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis for the past 75 years.  Gold was first used in 1890 by a German doctor named Robert Koch who found that it was able to kill the bacteria that caused tuberculosis.  In the 1930’s there was belief that rheumatoid arthritis and tuberculosis were related and a French doctor, Jacques Forestier, began treating his rheumatoid arthritis patients with gold.  The gold worked and was used for many years, but is being phased out in the last few years because of serious side effects.  Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases new Understanding Why Gold works for Treatment

New research has found that an investigational therapy for bone loss, denosumab, demonstrated significant increases in bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.  A person’s BMD can be an indicator for fracture risk, according to a study published in the Feb. 23, 2006 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

Denosumab is a RANK Ligand inhibitor under development by Amgen.  Ligand is a protein that is the primary “mediator” of osteoclast formation, function and survival.  These osteoclasts are responsible for bone removal. Osteoporosis Patients may Benefit From New Drug - Two Injections of Denosumab per Year will Increase Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women

Not all participants in a recent study benefited from the popular dietary supplement combination of glucosamine plus chondroitin sulfate.  Although, in an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, patients with moderate-to-severe pain showed significant relief with the supplement. 

The data was extrapolated from the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT).  Elias Zerhouni, M.D. said “GAIT is another example of NIH's commitment to exploring the potential of complementary and alternative medicine to prevent and treat disease in a manner that is fair, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous.”  Elias is the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The study was conducted at 16 sites across the country over a 4 year period. Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements Don't Relieve Pain in People with Minor Knee Joint Osteoarthritis Pain

Researchers reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Bayer’s Trasylol (generic is Aprotinin) which is used during heart surgery to prevent excessive blood loss has serious side effects.  Trasylol has double the risk for kidney failure and stroke and increases the risk of heart failure or heart attack by 55 percent. 

The FDA announced on February 8th that there is a public health advisory for Trasylol due to the recent study.  The FDA recognizes that there are two recent scientific publications that found a link for kidney problems, heart attacks and strokes for patients that used Trasylol during artery bypass graft surgery.  The FDA is sending the warning out to surgeons that perform these operations.  Trasylol used during Heart Surgery has Serious Side Effects- Lawyers may have Lawsuit

Heart health and brain health are associated with each other, according to a multi-Institute collaboration of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) published online today in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.  It may be possible to maintain brain health as we age by making good lifestyle choices, such as exercise, learning new things and staying socially connected.  Heart and Brain Health Linked - Alzheimer's Disease Risk can be Lowered by Exercise and Mental Stimulation

The Jerusalem Diet was created by Ted Haggard, a pastor of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs.  The reason that the diet is called “The Jerusalem Diet” was that in 1998 he traveled to Jerusalem and had gained too much weight.  He thought he would eat only fruits, veggies and nuts for one day.  After a day of this he felt better and the clothes fit better.  His diet encourages you to weigh yourself every day so that you don’t get off your goal weight.

If he gains a pound or two he restricts his diet and exercises for an hour.  This usually turns into a weight correction within 24 hours.  He doesn’t promote fast weight loss, but makes it more manageable.  The diet also addresses addictions to food, cigarettes, and caffeine.  It sounds like exercise should be on a regular basis, more than just once a week.  He recommends 14 super foods to eat on the diet which are healthy foods choices.  The Jerusalem Diet – 24 Hour Dieting

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced earlier this month the licensing of a new vaccine against the Rotavirus.  This disease is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths around the world each year. 

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said the Merck and Company oral vaccine ROTATEQ should be added to the schedule of vaccines given to U.S. infants.  The newer vaccine does not cause the same problems as an earlier vaccine withdrawn from the market in 1999.

The vaccine will be administered at 2 months, 4 months and again at 6 months of age. Approval is needed by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which usually follows the panel's recommendations.  Rotavirus Vaccine to be Added to Childhood Vaccination Immunization Schedule - CDC Recommend and FDA Approved RotaTeq

More than 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.  A new study found that intake of dietary or supplemental antioxidants were not associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer among men in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO). 

The researchers found that vitamin E and beta-carotene supplementation may be associated with reduced prostate cancer risk in certain population subgroups.  Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A. 

Vitamin E, C and carotenoids may play a role in preventing cancer development because of their ability to combat free radicals.  Free radicals are compounds that can cause damage to cellular DNA, lipid membranes, and proteins.  Robotic Surgery in Treatment for Prostate Cancer - Antioxidants May not Prevent Prostate Cancer

In the February issue of Archives of Otolaryngology, a small study showed that allergy sufferers were just as satisfied with the over-the-counter medication just as much as they were with a prescription drug.

The decongestant that you can purchase at your local drug store is called pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, and the prescription medication is called montelukast sodium.  Some of the over-the-counter brand names that contain pseudoephedrine are Afrin, Cenafed, Decofed, Dorcol, Efidac/24, Pediacare, Sinutab, and Sudafed.  The brand name prescription drug containing montelukast is Singulair.  Allergy sufferers find relief with over-the-counter medication

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2002 survey) determined that approximately 65% of the U.S. adult population was either obese or overweight. This survey also indicated that an estimated 16% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 years are overweight. And, there is no doubt that obesity is on the rise in our country!

Why the upwards trend in obesity? As most of us are aware, Americans have fallen prey to high-fat, high-sugar, high-calorie diets (common in fast food restaurants). We’re typically eating way-y-y more calories each day than we need for our lifestyles! (But, oh! Those ‘comfort’ foods sure taste good and temporarily soothe our psyches, don’t they?!) Let’s face it, though! If we constantly consume more calories than we burn, most likely we’ll eventually put on some extra weight!

Ironically, Americans often go through spurts of trying one fad diet after another or starting an exercise regimen, only to get bored with it and quit after only a few weeks or so. We refer to a ‘fitness craze.’ Do we call it a ‘craze’ because we get so hyped up about it one minute, pour all our efforts into losing weight and getting into shape…yet, soon, throw our hands up in the air in defeat? I Hate Diets - New Approach to Weight Loss!

According to a research report by Lingraphicare America, there are an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 Americans that suffer a stroke that cause them to lose their ability to understand or express themselves with speech.  The term called aphasia is a just one of the frustrating disabilities that a stroke patient can endure.  It is estimated there are currently 1 million Americans that have aphasia.

A research project from Lingraphicare America, a manufacturer of the Lingraphica speech generating device for aphasia found that extended use of their product over a 20 week period helped aphasia patients improve their condition.  The Lingraphica speech generating device is a computer laptop that has specially designed software that has easy to select pictures that will speak the words or phrases for the corresponding picture.  Stroke Patients with Aphasia can be helped with Speech Generating Device

McDonald’s is facing at least three lawsuits by people with celiac disease. The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday that the lawsuits claim that the company “misled” the public about the ingredients in their French fries. 

Last week McDonalds revealed that their fries contained both wheat and dairy products.  They may taste great, but the wheat products can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in people that suffer from celiac disease.  In fact gluten, a protein found in wheat, can cause damage to the intestines in people with celiac disease. 

The Associated press reported that Debra Moffatt of Lombard, Ill., seeks unspecified damages in a suit filed Friday in the Cook County Circuit Court.  She is accusing the company of misleading the public. McDonalds Faces Three Lawsuits - Celiac Disease Sufferers Claim the Company Misled Consumers About their French Fries

Two months after my open-heart surgery, through my cardiologist’s referral, I was cleared to begin a physician-sponsored cardiac rehabilitation program ­ a program of exercise and risk-factor education for individuals recovering from serious heart procedures and heart disease.

Some patients are healed enough to begin sooner, some later. The gym facility where I live in Santa Fe, NM, called the Center for Living Well, is spaciously housed in the basement of our one hospital. In the last thirty years, thousands of cardiac rehabilitation programs have sprung up far and wide in the U.S. alone, all featuring similar characteristics.

In my book, The Open Heart Companion: Preparation and Guidance for Open-Heart Surgery Recovery (Open Heart Publishing, 2006) I advise, "systematically increase your walking every day, to the point where you can visualize and look forward to the strength retraining and aerobic stamina offered in a good cardiac rehabilitation program.   Begin a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program For a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

The Food and Drug Administration has helped to further define the term “whole grain” for food manufacturers.  This better definition of whole grain will improve the decisions that people make when purchasing ready made food from manufacturers.

What is “whole grain”?  FDA stated the following in a news release: “to include cereal grains that consist of the intact, ground, cracked or flaked fruit of the grains whose principal components -- the starchy endosperm, germ and bran -- are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact grain. Such grains may include barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, millet, rice, rye, oats, sorghum, wheat and wild rice.”  FDA defines term “Whole Grain” for Food Manufacturers

A new report suggests that hospitalization of a spouse for a serious illness also increases their partner’s risk of death.  They even found that some diagnoses raise the risk even more, including dementia, stroke, and hip fracture. 

The study, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that the spouse’s risk of death remains elevated for an extended period of time.  One of the investigators, Nicholas A. Christakis, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., of Harvard Medical School, said “When a spouse is hospitalized, the partner’s risk of death increases significantly, and remains elevated for up to two years.”

Researchers have known for some time that our social network is important to health.  Even family pets have been known to boost ones health. Richard M. Suzman, Ph.D., Associate Director of the NIA for Behavioral and Social Research, said “This highly innovative study — in an enormous sample of older people — demonstrates yet another important connection between social networks and health.”  Sick Spouse Increases Risk of Death for Partners - Mortality Rate Depends on Illness

Calcium and vitamin-D supplements play an important role in preventing bone fractures in older women, according to study published in the February 16th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.  Researchers say, in older women, “consistent use of calcium and vitamin-D supplements will play a role in reducing her risk for osteoporosis”.

Up until now the results have been conflicting.  Based on the data provided by the Women’s Health Initiative, lead author Rebecca Jackson, associate professor of internal medicine and physical medicine at Ohio State University Medical Center, said “The value of a study this large is that it does show, even if only on a small scale, that the intervention can be effective to lower the risk of osteoporosis within two to three years…. A physician isn't needed to prescribe these supplements. All this means any supplementation of this kind is potentially beneficial, particularly in women over 60 years old. That's a huge finding."  Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements Very Beneficial For Many Women over the Age of 60 - Helps Prevent Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures

Botox may be used as part of the treatment of Cancer in the near future.  A research study from the Université de Louvain in Brussels, Belgium, led by Bernard Gallez, Ph.D., have been one of the first to explore how Botox could be used to treat cancer patients. 

First reported in the February 15^th issue of Clinical Cancer Research, the results were hopeful.  When the Botox (Botulinum neurotoxin type A) was injected into two different kinds of tumors in mice, it caused the tumors’ cellular vasculature to open.  This improved circulation of the tumor made it more effective at killing off the cancer cells when using traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

These are preliminary studies in mice and more research will need to be conducted.  The researchers hope that it will be used together with chemotherapy to make the treatment more effective and killing of the cancer.  Botox could be used to help Shrink Cancer Tumors

A new test is available that may give those over the age of 50 odds of dying within the next 4 years.  The test considers 12 risk factors to determine the participant’s risk. 

The lower the test scores, the lower the odds of dying.  A score of 5 points means your risk of dying in four years is 4%.  A score of 14 points will make the risk rise to 64%.  Just being a man will give you 2 points.  You will get another 2 points for being diabetic or being a smoker.  If you are unable to walk two blocks without getting tired, you will get another 2 points.

The older you are the more points you will get.  Over the age of 60, points will begin to accrue just because of your age.  The researchers warn, don’t try this test at home.  They say a doctor can help you put things into perspective.  New Test Helps Determine the Risk of Death in the Next Four Years - Risk of dying within 4 years found for those over the age of 50