Health Highlights: Jan. 6, 2009

FDA Approvals

Nucleic Acid Test Screens for HIV
In donated blood and tissue

Degarelix Approved for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Suppresses testosterone production

Zolpimist Approved for Insomnia
Oral spray contains Ambien's active ingredient

Gleevec Approved for Use After Cancer Surgery
Drug first sanctioned in 2001

Mozobil Boosts Stem Cells Before Bone Marrow Transplants
Could help people with certain forms of blood cancer

TriLipix Approved to Help Lower Cholesterol
To be used alone, or in combination with a statin

FYI

Health Tip: More Than You Can Chew
What to do when chewing becomes difficult

Health Tip: Feel Better by Looking Good
If you're sick, don't ignore your appearance

Brains of Bulimia Patients Wired Differently Study found regions related to impulse control were less active. >> complete story

Deep Brain Stimulation Helps Those With Advanced Parkinson's Study found both physical function and quality of life improved. >> complete story

Implanted Defibrillators Benefit Older People
Improved survival seen in those 75 and older, study says

Childhood Trauma Tied to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Finding means condition could be biologically driven, researchers say

Researchers Report Progress in Fight Against Fat
Two drugs and a genetic variation are focus of promising studies

Health Care Spending in U.S. Grew at Lowest Rate in a Decade
But consumers are still paying more for out-of-pocket expenses, reports say

Family History of Aneurism Raises Stroke Risk for Smokers
They're 6 times likely to suffer bleeding stroke, study finds

It Pays to Eat Less as You Age
Cutting calories can cut down on pounds in middle age, study says

Teens Divulge Risky Behavior on Social Networking Sites
But e-mail intervention may spur some adolescents to change, study finds

Employer-Sponsored Workouts Boost Workers' Health
Study at Home Depot saw big increase in employees working out

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 6, 2009

When the Heart Stops Beating
Survivors tell their stories of sudden cardiac arrest

War Vets With Headaches Could Have Brain Problems
Reduced sense of smell might also signal need for testing, expert says

Obesity Linked to Ovarian Cancer
Excess estrogen may contribute to malignancy, study suggests

Diabetes Epidemic Now Poses Challenges for Nursing Homes
Care for aging people with the disease falls short, study finds