Health News

Farmers say salmonella scare has hurt tomato sales

Expect fewer slices of red, ripe tomatoes next to the grill this holiday weekend.

Haywire brain chemical linked to sudden baby death

Scientists have new evidence that the brain chemical best known for regulating mood also plays a role in the mystifying killer of seemingly healthy babies _ sudden infant death syndrome.

Some psych patients wait days in hospital ERs

When staffers at a Brooklyn hospital spotted a middle-aged woman lying face-down on a waiting room floor last month, it hardly seemed like cause for alarm.

Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effects

A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra _ but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.

Filipina with upside-down feet walks for 1st time

A Filipino teenager who came to New York so doctors could perform surgery to untwist her severely clubbed feet took her first unaided steps Wednesday in pink-and-white sneakers _ the first shoes she's ever worn.

First floods, now pesky mosquitoes for Midwest

First came the floods _ now the mosquitoes. An explosion of pesky insects are pestering clean-up crews and just about anyone venturing outside in the waterlogged Midwest.

FDA panel urges more testing for diabetes drugs

Diabetes drugs should face tougher safety standards that could cost manufacturers millions but protect patients from unforeseen heart risks, a government panel has recommended.

More than 4,000 Danes may have salmonella

Danish health officials fear more than 4,000 people may be infected with salmonella and are checking everything from refrigerators to credit card receipts to find the source of what may be the worst outbreak in 15 years.

Salmonella probe adds foods served with tomatoes

Adding to tomato confusion, the government is about to start testing numerous other types of fresh produce in the hunt for the source of the nation's record salmonella outbreak _ even as it insists tomatoes remain the leading suspect.

Study finds long benefit in illegal mushroom drug

In 2002, at a Johns Hopkins University laboratory, a business consultant named Dede Osborn took a psychedelic drug as part of a research project.

Farmers say salmonella scare has hurt tomato sales

FRESNO, Calif. - Friday, 04 July 2008 16:12:17

By GARANCE BURKE - Associated Press Writer

Expect fewer slices of red, ripe tomatoes next to the grill this holiday weekend.

Scientists: Watermelon yields Viagra-like effects

LUBBOCK, Texas - Thursday, 03 July 2008 14:48:53

By BETSY BLANEY - Associated Press Writer

A slice of cool, fresh watermelon is a juicy way to top off a Fourth of July cookout and one that researchers say has effects similar to Viagra _ but don't necessarily expect it to keep the fireworks going all night long.

Haywire brain chemical linked to sudden baby death

WASHINGTON - Thursday, 03 July 2008 14:09:43

By LAURAN NEERGAARD - AP Medical Writer

Scientists have new evidence that the brain chemical best known for regulating mood also plays a role in the mystifying killer of seemingly healthy babies _ sudden infant death syndrome.

Filipina with upside-down feet walks for 1st time

NEW YORK - Thursday, 03 July 2008 14:07:48

By VERENA DOBNIK - Associated Press Writer

A Filipino teenager who came to New York so doctors could perform surgery to untwist her severely clubbed feet took her first unaided steps Wednesday in pink-and-white sneakers _ the first shoes she's ever worn.

NJ officials warn of lamp oil poisonings

TRENTON, N.J. - Wednesday, 02 July 2008 16:12:13

New Jersey officials have issued a health alert saying six people have been sickened by mistaking lamp oil for apple juice, including one person who died.

Kroger expands ground beef recall

CINCINNATI - Wednesday, 02 July 2008 15:10:39

By TERRY KINNEY - Associated Press Writer

The Kroger Co. expanded its voluntary recall of some ground beef products beyond stores in Michigan and parts of Ohio to its stores in more than 20 states on Wednesday.

First floods, now pesky mosquitoes for Midwest

CHICAGO - Wednesday, 02 July 2008 14:52:06

By LINDSEY TANNER - AP Medical Writer

First came the floods _ now the mosquitoes. An explosion of pesky insects are pestering clean-up crews and just about anyone venturing outside in the waterlogged Midwest.

FDA panel urges more testing for diabetes drugs

WASHINGTON - Wednesday, 02 July 2008 14:29:02

By MATTHEW PERRONE - AP Business Writer

Diabetes drugs should face tougher safety standards that could cost manufacturers millions but protect patients from unforeseen heart risks, a government panel has recommended.

Skeeter advice: Wear repellent, avoid perfumes

By The Associated Press

Flooding, heavy rains and summer heat have produced a bumper crop of pesky mosquitoes, particularly in the waterlogged Midwest. Here's how experts recommend avoiding the bugs and treating their bites: