June 6, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Common viral infections may increase the risk of complications for patients recovering in intensive care units. That’s according to University of Florida researchers, who analyzed over 200,000 critically-ill patients across the U.S.
June 3, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Shigella cases are on the rise in Orange County. Health officials have reported 78 cases since the beginning of this year – the majority being found in child care and school aged children. Last year, the county saw only four cases during the same time period. Washing your hands thoroughly is just one way to help prevent the spread of the bacterial infection.
June 2, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Sufferers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may have more to worry about than combat flashbacks, depression and fearful behavior. They may also be at a higher risk for heart disease and be more likely to die of any cause than their peers, according to The American Journal of Cardiology.
May 31, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Testing positive on an alcohol level test, even on a sober night? The culprit may be your hand sanitizer. Scientists have found applying hand sanitizer every five minutes can trigger positive results on alcohol urine tests. But University of Florida researchers have found a way that may distinguish between drinking alcohol and exposure to hand sanitizers.
May 20, 2011
By Euna Lhee – After health officials confirmed a case of measles in an Orange County preschooler last Friday – the first local case in 17 years – authorities are spreading the word on what to do if you haven’t received your measles shot. People who have received their routine measles vaccination as children will have immunity and, in most cases, will be protected from an outbreak. But if you haven’t, you may want to take these precautions.
May 16, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Space shuttle Endeavour launched from Kennedy Space Center at 8:56 this morning. Those on board the flight included a deadly strain of bacteria, some Salmonella and C. elegans, a type of roundworm. The shuttle’s crew will be conducting a series of experiments during their time at the International Space Station. They hope the research may one day lead to vaccines to protect against food poisoning and a deadly bacterial infection.
May 15, 2011
By Euna Lhee – While the Alzheimer’s Association estimates the costs of treating Alzheimer’s to rise five-fold to $1.08 trillion by 2050, some researchers believe these costs can be lowered if people behaved healthier. “What’s good for your brain is good for your heart, and vice versa,” said Alzheimer’s expert Huntington Potter of the University of South Florida. “Cardiovascular disease works with Alzheimer’s disease to cause even worse dementia.” Meanwhile, Mark Underwood, a researcher for Quincy Bioscience, suggests people can be more proactive in safeguarding their health.
May 13, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Experiencing a flashback on the road? Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can now turn to their smart phones for help 24 hours a day. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense have released a new mobile app so that you can cope with symptoms on the go.
May 9, 2011
By Euna Lhee – The Food and Drug Administration is reconsidering its position on the use of mercury in dental fillings. Exposure to elemental mercury, when it is breathed as a vapor, has been linked to neuromuscular and emotional changes. The issue was the focus of a town hall meeting in Orlando last week.
May 6, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Most people know the signs of a heart attack – chest and upper body discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea and lightheadedness. We’ve heard about it in public service announcements and in those CPR lessons back in high school. We might even talk about it at the dinner table. But what about signs for a brain attack, or stroke? What should we do when someone suffers one?
May 5, 2011
By Euna Lhee – While polio is all but eradicated in the U.S. due to vaccinations, it still exists in the developing world where costs can prevent access to inoculations. But now, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation hopes to overcome that, along with University of Central Florida scientist Henry Daniell – who’s been working with lettuce and tobacco plants in creating vaccines over the past 10 years. The foundation has awarded him a $761,302 grant to develop a new polio vaccine using low-cost lettuce plants.
May 2, 2011
By Euna Lhee – For the first time in almost 30 years, doctors have a new set of guidelines for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The update was developed by a group of leading Alzheimer’s experts, put together by the National Institutes of Health.
April 29, 2011
By Euna Lhee – This week, Florida lawmakers passed the controversial ‘Docs vs. Glocks‘ bill that restricts what questions doctors can ask patients about gun ownership. It now awaits Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. The legislation, also known as SB 432 and HB 155, is a watered-down version of the original bill – a compromise between the National Rifle Association and the Florida Medical Association. But despite this agreement, the measure has divided the physician community.
By Euna Lhee – The U.S. South has become an eye-opening epicenter of HIV infection, according to Dr. John Bartlett of Duke University. He says the South accounted for 46% of all new AIDS diagnoses in the U.S. in 2005. Other regions saw a 6% decrease in AIDS cases. How does Florida fare in all this? Well, the Sunshine State has the second highest number of AIDS diagnoses in the country.
April 25, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Researchers in South Florida have developed a drug that treats multiple sclerosis in mice, without suppressing their entire immune systems. They think the compound could also fight other autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
April 21, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Last week, a NASA contractor announced that up to 2,800 people will be laid off after the shuttle program shuts down later this year. This includes up to 1,950 employees in the Sunshine State. For these Floridians, that may also mean losing health insurance. But a new initiative hopes to address the need by opening a free medical and dental clinic in central Florida’s Palm Bay.
April 18, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Scientists in Florida are part of a study that’s discovered four new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease. That doubles the total number of genes known to contribute to the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s. Researchers from 44 universities, including the University of Miami, helped with the discovery.
April 15, 2011
[BLOG] By Euna Lhee – One of the toughest challenges I face when reporting about medical research comes at the very beginning – when I determine whether to even cover the study. The science may be solid, the researchers reputable. But often, the findings are contradicted in other studies. Take for example Prozac.
April 11, 2011
By Euna Lhee – Smart phones may be useful in checking email and keeping up with Facebook status updates, but they may also play a hand in saving lives, especially in low-income countries. A University of Central Florida graduate student has created a software application that turns smart phones into virtual microscopes that can detect malaria. He and his team members will find out today whether their “app” will move on to the next level of an international competition that could help them develop and market the product.
April 8, 2011
[BLOG] By Euna Lhee – At least 4% of adults report experiencing nightmares, perhaps as often as once a week or more, according to sleep researchers. But the rate is as high as 90% among groups like combat veterans. One technique being used to treat a growing number of nightmare sufferers is called imagery rehearsal therapy. Researchers say this kind of cognitive therapy can help reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares or even eliminate them. But the therapy is controversial among scientists.