Health RSS : Gourt

African-American caregivers' breast health behavior

This study utilizes a stress and coping framework which includes cognitive appraisal, personal and environmental resources, coping and stress to examine factors related to African-American caregivers’ breast cancer screenings, including mammograms, clinical examinations and self-examinations. Using data from the Black Rural and Urban Caregivers Mental Health and Functioning Study, we performed separate logistic regressions for each type of breast cancer screening. Results reveal that having a regular doctor checkup (coping), care recipients having a cancer diagnosis (cognitive appraisal, and living in urban areas (environment resources) are associated with receiving a mammogram. Having greater income, having at least a high school degree (both personal resources) and having a regular doctor checkup (coping) are associated with receiving a clinical examination. Increased caregiver strain (stress), being 40 years old or older, social support (coping) and living in rural areas are associated with performing a self-examination. Targeting African-American caregivers, particularly in rural areas, for increased education on the importance of receiving breast cancer screenings is crucial to addressing health disparities. Making resources available, encouraging caregivers to get a clinical examination and a mammogram and directing public education toward caregivers are important points of intervention.

Stages of mammography adoption in Asian American women

Asian American women have the lowest mammography screening rate and are often diagnosed at later stages of breast cancer compared with other ethnic groups. This study applied the Transtheoretical Model and examined the relationships between stages of mammography adoption and mammography-related beliefs while controlling for socio-demographic factors. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 315 participants from four populous Asian ethnic groups in Michigan (109 Asian Indians, 51 Chinese, 36 Koreans and 119 Filipinos). In this relatively small sample, Koreans appeared to be more likely to be at the pre-contemplation stage and less likely to be at the maintenance stage. Perceived barriers and decisional balance scores differed by stage, with pre-contemplators reporting highest barriers and lowest scores in decisional balance. In terms of specific barrier items, pre-contemplators also displayed significantly greater agreement for most of the barrier items. Participants in the action stage have less favorable decisional balance than those in two earlier stages (i.e. contemplation and relapse). Common barriers for this sample of Asian participants included the items related to access and modesty issues. Overall, the study supports the notion that assessing differences in mammography-related beliefs by stage of screening behavior may facilitate the development of stage-matched interventions for Asian ethnic groups.

A qualitative exploration of the community partner experience in a faith-based breast cancer educational intervention

Although community partner engagement is a key component in faith-based health promotion/disease prevention intervention research, the perspective of community partners on their experiences in the intervention process has been infrequently investigated. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 African-American community partners [i.e. four pastors and eight lay health co-ordinators (LHCs)] from eight churches in greater Baltimore, MD, USA, that engaged in a breast cancer educational intervention that followed a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed, coded and content analysis was used to identify themes across the codes. Findings show that pastors support a holistic approach to health and that LHCs act as a link between the pastors, participants and academic researchers. In addition, pastors and LHCs emphasized that the religious and/or spiritual program elements should not overpower the importance of reaching participants with critical health information regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs. Study findings suggest that faith-based educational intervention efforts that follow a CBPR approach are important in promoting cancer awareness in the African-American community. Including community partner assessment can further elucidate critical intervention impacts and helps to address health disparities in underserved communities.

Process evaluation of a school-based weight gain prevention program: the Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT)

Health promotion programs benefit from an accompanying process evaluation since it can provide more insight in the strengths and weaknesses of a program. A process evaluation was conducted to assess the reach, implementation, satisfaction and maintenance of a school-based program aimed at the prevention of excessive weight gain among Dutch adolescents [Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT)]. Our process evaluation involved data collections by means of questionnaires among students, teachers, school board and site staff. The results indicated immense difficulties in the recruitment phase and therefore a low reach at school level. However, among adolescents of the schools that participated, the reach was high (84%). Furthermore, the classroom intervention was implemented successfully based on the number of lessons taught. Most teachers rated the DOiT-intervention positively; students rated the intervention 6.6 on a scale of 1–10. The majority of the teachers planned to implement the DOiT-intervention program in the future, as they perceived DOiT feasible for pre-vocational education students.

Baseline survey of sun protection policies and practices in primary school settings in New Zealand

The SunSmart Schools Accreditation Programme (SSAP) was launched as a national programme in October 2005 to help reduce the risk of excessive child exposure to ultraviolet radiation. As part of the need for evaluation, this paper reports the findings of a national survey of a randomly selected sample of approximately 12% of New Zealand primary schools prior to the national launch of the SSAP. Principals at 242 schools completed a mail survey (81% response rate) relating to school sun protection policies, practices, curriculum and environment. Survey responses were evaluated according to the 12 criteria of the SSAP, with schools assigned a score from 0 to 12. No school fully met all 12 accreditation criteria, although 2% of schools attained 11 criteria and another 2% attained 10. Nine per cent of schools attained three or fewer criteria. Overall, 7 was the most common score, achieved by 23%. School socio-economic decile rating and roll size were positively associated with higher scores (both P < 0.02). Continued support and resources are needed to encourage schools to address sun protection across the spectrum of curriculum, practices and environment and through commitment to written policy.

Which patient-related factors determine self-perceived patient adherence to prescribed dyspepsia medication?

Patient adherence to medical treatment for dyspepsia is disappointing, whereas adherence is crucial for a proper evaluation of treatment. This prospective study used elements of the Integrated Change Model and Weiner's Attribution Theory to describe patients’ important cognitions and their interrelationships regarding self-perceived adherence to short-term medical treatment for dyspepsia. Patient questionnaires measured the predictors before treatment and self-perceived adherence after treatment. Approximately one-quarter of the patients indicated that they were non-adherent (n = 347). Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses revealed several significant predictors that explained 44% of the variance in self-perceived adherence. Patients with a low educational level, patients who claimed to regularly forget their medication in general, patients with a low self-efficacy or a low intention were less likely to be adherent. These results may indicate targets for interventions designed to improve adherence to medical treatment for dyspepsia. For instance, asking about expected difficulties in taking acid suppressants (e.g. forgetfulness or medication use at weekends) and making action plans to overcome these difficulties (e.g. using reminders) may result in improved adherence rates. Such an approach may reach a substantial number of patients since one in five patients in our study experienced some difficulties in taking medication.

Daughter-initiated health advice to mothers: perceptions of African-American and Latina daughters

The prevailing paradigm of health exchange within the family is for health advice to flow from parent to child. Consistent with this pattern of exchange, most research has focused on the one-directional influence of the parent on the child and there is thus an absence of literature that explores the ability of adolescents to influence their parents’ health behaviors. This qualitative study addressed this gap by exploring the feasibility of daughters providing health advice to their mothers. Twelve focus groups were conducted with 78 African–American and Latina daughters between the ages of 12 and 17 from low-income neighborhoods in a Mid-Western city in the United States. This study utilized a grounded theory approach to examine the focus group data. The findings indicate that many daughters report that they are already giving their mothers a wide spectrum of advice, including health advice. Differences were found in the reported willingness of African–American daughters when compared to Latina daughters to provide their mothers with specific cancer advice. These data suggest that some of these daughters have the potential to be valuable health education conveyers in the family.

The compensatory health beliefs scale: psychometric properties of a cross-culturally adapted scale for use in The Netherlands

This study assesses the psychometric properties of a measuring scale for compensatory health beliefs (CHBs), culturally adapted for use in the Dutch context. CHBs refer to the idea that people can compensate for unhealthy (mostly pleasant) behaviours with healthy behaviours, e.g. ‘It is OK to eat a chocolate bar, because I am going to the gym tonight’. We are critical towards such beliefs as they may also be an excuse to justify unhealthy behaviours. Before such effects can be studied, an appropriate tool to measure CHBs must be developed. We adapted a Canadian scale, consisting of four factors relating to beliefs about substance use, eating/sleeping habits, stress and weight regulation, translating it according to guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation and testing it among 145 Dutch students. Factor analysis showed that the structure was not entirely identical in the Dutch context, and the internal consistency of the four subscales was also low. The overall scale showed a high internal consistency ( = 0.78), indicating the existence of an underlying construct, and a high Pearson correlation between the first and second measurements (r = 0.82), showing good stability. We recommend using the overall scale and further studying its reliability among other subgroups as well as its validity.

Smoking among Dutch elementary schoolchildren: gender-specific predictors

Higher rates of smoking initiation and continuation by female compared with male adolescents, as found in many developed countries, may call for gender-specific prevention programs. Risk factors of smoking initiation and continuation were examined prospectively (1997–2002) among 3205 Dutch elementary schoolchildren (mean age 11.64) in an intervention trial using written questionnaires and multilevel logistic regression. At baseline, smoking prevalence was lower among girls than among boys; at follow-up, smoking initiation was lower among girls than among boys. Concerning smoking initiation, girls and boys shared the following risk factors: age, modeling from parents and siblings (‘modeling nuclear’), modeling from other members in the social circle (‘modeling diffuse’) and perceived pro-tobacco pressure to smoke. The only gender-specific predictor of smoking initiation was parent origin; girls with non-Dutch parents could be targeted for prevention programs. Concerning continuation, girls and boys shared the following risk factors: older age, more modeling nuclear and diffuse, fewer smoking disadvantages and lower self-efficacy to refrain from smoking. This study confirms that social modeling, smoking attitude and self-efficacy information to refrain from smoking deserve a prominent place in smoking prevention programs for schoolchildren. Besides booster sessions, family-directed programs are suggested. No gender-specific predictors of later smoking initiation were found, apart from parent origin, which is not amenable to intervention.

Everybody's talking: using entertainment-education video to reduce barriers to discussion of cervical cancer screening among Thai women

Although Southeast Asian women are at exceedingly high risk for cervical cancer, low rates of the Pap testing necessary for early detection and successful treatment continue among this group. Previous research suggests that discussions about Pap testing with important people in a woman's life, particularly her doctor, may increase the likelihood of screening; therefore increasing women's discussions about cancer screenings is an important step toward behavior change. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive, seven-minute video intervention in reducing barriers to discussions about Pap tests among Thai women. This unique video presented Thai actors, speaking in Thai, in a soap opera format. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. The comparison group received an educational pamphlet. Although the results indicated that both groups experienced reductions in barriers to communicating with others about Pap tests, the intervention group had significantly stronger outcomes than the comparison group for communicating about Pap tests in general as well as to doctors. These findings suggest that intermediate communication effects such as self-efficacy, collective efficacy and perhaps interpersonal communication may reduce barriers to discussion and positive decision making regarding Pap tests.

Smoking cessation and diabetes control in Kerala, India: an urgent need for health education

This study documented the tobacco use among male diabetes patients in a clinic-based population of urban India, patient reports of physician cessation messages and patients’ perception of tobacco use as a risk factor for diabetes complications. All the 444 male diabetes patients who attended three public sector hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, were surveyed to ascertain their tobacco use as well as the frequency and content of quit messages received from health staff. A significant proportion (59%) of diabetes patients were tobacco users prior to diagnosis and more than half of them continued to use tobacco, many daily, even after diagnosis. Of the 100 current smokers, 75% were asked about their tobacco use at the time of diagnosis; of those, 52% were advised to quit. However, a lack of patient awareness existed regarding the linkages of smoking and diabetes complications. Notably, 52% of patients did not associate smoking with diabetes complications. Given the magnitude of tobacco use among diabetics, there is clearly a need for more proactive cessation efforts. The times of illness diagnosis, illness flare-ups and emerging illness complications are teachable moments when patients are primed to change their behavior and more motivated to quit tobacco.

Mobilizing men as partners: the results of an intervention to increase dual protection among Nigerian men

This quasi-experimental, proof-of-concept study evaluated the effects of an intervention designed to help Nigerian men decrease risk for HIV/sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. The intervention was delivered in groups during two 5-hour workshops, with a monthly 2-hour check-in session. A comparison condition consisted of a group-based half-day didactic workshop. Based on recruitment area, 149 men were assigned to the intervention and 132 to the comparison. Men were evaluated at baseline and 3-month post-intervention. At follow-up, men assigned to the intervention were almost four times more likely than comparison men to report condom use at last intercourse (P < 0.001) and to report fewer unprotected vaginal sex occasions, greater self-efficacy for negotiation, a more egalitarian power dynamic in their primary relationship, more positive expectations for condom use and greater intention for future consistent condom use (all P values < 0.05). Findings suggest that this intervention is both feasible and effective.

Secretos de la Buena Vida: processes of dietary change via a tailored nutrition communication intervention for Latinas

Secretos de la Buena Vida was a successful tailored nutrition communication intervention delivered to Latinas living along the US–Mexico border in California. The intervention was delivered over a 14-week period and consisted of three intervention conditions: weekly home visits with promotoras + weekly tailored mailed newsletters in the first condition, weekly tailored mailed newsletters in the second condition and targeted materials in the attention control condition. The current study examined what elements of the promotora + tailored newsletter and tailored newsletter-only conditions were most effective for behavioral adoption and maintenance in a sample of 238 Latina women. Process evaluation measures assessed the implementation, fidelity and dose of these two intervention conditions. Results indicate that there was high fidelity to program implementation and delivery. Perceived effort, perceived support and intervention length predicted adoption of a lower fat diet at the 15-month follow-up. In the promotora + tailored newsletter condition, married women were four times more likely to be adopters of dietary fat changes than single women. These findings highlight the importance of process evaluation measures and help us understand the mechanism by which tailored print materials and interpersonal health communication via promotoras can facilitate health behavior change.

Mass media campaign improves cervical screening across all socio-economic groups

Low socio-economic status (SES) has been associated with lower cervical screening rates. Mass media is one known strategy that can increase cervical screening participation. This study sought to determine whether a mass media campaign conducted in Victoria, Australia, in 2005 was effective in encouraging women across all SES groups to screen. Data were obtained from the Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry for each Pap test registered during 2005 and categorized into SES quintiles using the Index of Socio-Economic Advantage/Disadvantage. Negative binomial regression was used to determine the impact of the campaign on the weekly number of Pap tests and whether the media campaign had a differential effect by SES, after adjusting for the number of workdays per week, age group and time since previous test. Cervical screening increased 27% during the campaign period and was equally effective in encouraging screening across all SES groups, including low-SES women. Mass media campaigns can prompt increased rates of cervical screening among all women, not just those from more advantaged areas. Combining media with additional strategies targeted at low-SES women may help lessen the underlying differences in screening rates across SES.

Use of focus group data to develop recommendations for demographically segmented colorectal cancer educational strategies

Screening is available and effective in colorectal cancer (CRC) control, but underutilized. The purpose of this study was to use focus group data to develop recommendations for the development of educational interventions to increase CRC screening, using an audience segmentation strategy. Demographic segments were based on urban–rural residence, race (African-American, White) and sex. One hundred and sixty-five participants age 50+, with no history of CRC participated in 17 focus groups in Alabama urban and rural communities. Transcripts were examined by independent coders. Knowledge among participants was limited regarding age to begin screening, insurance coverage and risk factors for CRC. Perceived barriers to screening included lack of physician recommendation, cost/lack of insurance coverage, pain/discomfort and embarrassment. African-American men reported postponement in seeing their physicians. White women were proactive at initiating discussion of CRC screening with their providers while African-American women felt that providers should drive the process. No urban–rural differences were identified. This study identified cultural and gender characteristics and perceptions that can be used in the development of demographically segmented health communication interventions to increase CRC awareness and screening.

Compensatory beliefs about glucose testing are associated with low adherence to treatment and poor metabolic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

The goal of this research was to investigate whether compensatory beliefs (CBs) regarding glucose testing predict blood glucose levels and adherence to treatment in adolescents with type 1 diabetes. CBs are convictions that the negative effects of one behavior (e.g. not testing one's glucose level) can be compensated for by engaging in another behavior (e.g. not eating any sweets). Adolescent patients from the Diabetes Clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital and their parents filled out scales while coming for a regular visit. Results from their HbA1c blood test from that visit and prior visits were obtained from their medical records. Results showed that holding glucose testing CBs was associated with poorer HbA1c and poorer adherence to self-care behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that glucose testing CBs predicted blood glucose control and adherence to treatment above and beyond a number of other constructs including diabetes knowledge. Addressing CBs in diabetes education, in particular targeting those concerning glucose testing, could improve the adherence to treatment and thereby the long-term health of people with diabetes.

Identifying cluster subtypes for intentions to have colorectal cancer screening among non-compliant intermediate-risk siblings of individuals with colorectal cancer

Although first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients diagnosed at an early age are at increased risk for CRC, their compliance with colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) is not high. Relatively little is known about why these intermediate-risk family members do not comply with CRCS. Study aims were to identify subgroups of siblings of individuals diagnosed with CRC prior to age 61 who were not compliant with CRCS using cluster analysis and to identify demographical, medical and attitudinal correlates of cluster membership. A total of 421 siblings completed measures of pros, cons, processes of change, CRCS knowledge, physician and family CRCS support, CRC risk, severity, preventability, curability, closeness with the affected sibling, distress about the sibling's cancer and screening intentions. Three clusters characterized as ‘Positive about Screening’, ‘Uncertain about Screening’ and ‘Negative about Screening’ were identified. External validation revealed that those in the Positive about Screening cluster reported significantly stronger CRCS intentions than those who are Uncertain about Screening and Negative about Screening clusters. Results provide an empirical typology for understanding motivations for CRCS among at-risk family members and may lead to the development of more effective interventions to improve screening uptake.

Patient Money: In Anxious Times, Medical Help for the Mind as Well as the Body

A new law requires that next year big group plans provide the same level of care for mental health as for medical ones.

Regarding Tamiflu, Doctors and Patients Face a Question of When to Act

There has been some confusion among doctors about whether to prescribe the antiviral drug Tamiflu for less severe cases.

Official Endorses Workplace Clinics for Vaccine Distribution

The official said swine flu vaccine should be distributed through many outlets, to get it to high-risk people quickly.

Research Shows Neighborhoods Where AIDS Treatments Lag

The San Francisco heath department is mapping the city to show where the sickest AIDS patients live, part of an effort to identify where care should be focused.

Recipes for Health: Puree of Chickpea Soup

This delicate, velvety soup is a surprising departure from the hearty stews in which chickpeas often appear.

Readers Ask: Ulcers

Dr. Neena S. Abraham answers readers' questions about ulcers.

After Setbacks, Small Successes for Gene Therapy

Three recent successes, though small, prompted hopes among scientists that a still-experimental idea for correcting genetic disorders might be back.

F.D.A. Fighting False Online Claims About Swine Flu Treatments

The Food and Drug Administration has identified 140 different dubious products sold online and has sent letters to 75 manufacturers.

Political Memo: On Health Care, Democrats Play Down Election Results

Even politically vulnerable Democrats in Congress said the party’s losses in two governor’s races this week were not big influences on their decision on health care.

Pelosi Faces Competing Pressures on Health Care

Speaker Nancy Pelosi raises funds in part to help re-elect her most vulnerable members, many from Republican-leaning districts leery of liberal health care proposals.

House Democrats Seek Allies for Health Care Vote

Vote counters say they are confident they will have the numbers when the House floor vote begins Saturday.

The Work-Up: Costs Surge for Medical Devices, but Benefits Are Opaque

Medical devices may seem an inviting target to better control Medicare spending, but plans for a health care overhaul do not address the quality or the cost of the products.

Questioning a Test for Cancer

Scaring people into quitting is the marketing rationale for a new genetic test, which purports to identify which smokers have the highest risk of developing lung cancer.

New Drug for H1N1 Flu Offers Hope

Peramivir might also be a life saver for its developer, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, an unprofitable biotechnology company in Birmingham, Ala.

Officials Defend Distribution of Flu Vaccine to Companies

Citigroup received 1,200 doses and Goldman Sachs got 200, as shortages have continued and hospitals have not received the supplies they have requested.

House Haggles Over Abortion in Health Care Bill

The issue is a political land mine on the path to a vote, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, on the overhaul bill in the House.

Vital Signs: Screening: Many Doctors Do Unneeded Pap Smears, Study Finds

A survey of 1,212 primary care doctors found that most had overused cervical cancer screening.

Skin Deep: Surgery at a Spa? Buyer Beware.

Medical spas are rapidly growing, and coming under increased scrutiny.

Can Pets Get Swine Flu?

Several readers recently asked the Consults blog whether cats, dogs and other pets can get sick from the H1N1 virus that causes swine flu.

Jeremy Morris, Proved Exercise Is Heart-Healthy, Dies at 99 ½

Mr. Morris was a British epidemiologist whose heart-attack research laid the scientific groundwork for the modern aerobics movement.

Bellevue Natural-Birth Center, Haven for Poor Women, Closes

The closing has provoked complaints about a lack of public notice that it was being considered, as well as about the declining number of natural-birth options in the city.

Truck Carrying Flu Vaccine Supply Is Stolen

The vaccine was recovered, and the thieves may not have even known it was in the truck, but is no longer considered usable.

World Briefing | Asia: Taiwan: Swine Flu Vaccination Program Begins

The Taiwanese government announced that by starting vaccinations against the H1N1 virus this week, it had begun the largest immunization program in Taiwan’s history.

Older Bypass Method Is Best, a Study Shows

A rigorous evaluation of bypass operations with and without heart-lung machines found that outcomes were better in cases using the machines.

Nation Is Facing Vaccine Shortage for Seasonal Flu

Experts said the situation was unavoidable, given how the global swine flu pandemic raised demand for all flu shots.

Premature Births Are Fueling Higher Rates of Infant Mortality in U.S., Report Says

A detailed analysis by government researchers offered insight into a longstanding problem for the American population.

A Powerful Identity, a Vanishing Diagnosis

Experts want to remove an autism label from a diagnostic manual, but people with the disorder are divided.

Second Opinion: Quandary With Mammograms: Get a Screening, or Just Skip It?

Research suggesting that mammography examinations do not help women leaves many in a treatment quandary.

Fathers Gain Respect From Experts (and Mothers)

Having a father help with the child-rearing is important. Having a mother back him is more important.

Flu Shots for Students Begin Saturday

Middle and high school students will be able to get the shots free in clinics that will be held throughout New York City over the next five weekends.

Giving Sight by Therapy With Genes

Once clinging to his mother and father, now playing Little League and riding go-carts, an 8-year-old benefited from a new technique.

Vital Signs: Regimens: A Supplement Didn’t Help Heart Patients

A supplement of omega-3 fatty acid did not show any effect in treating depression in heart patients.

Vital Signs: Awareness: On Drug Labels, Vital Facts May Be Missing

Researchers said important information about medications often did not reach the physicians prescribing them.

Lupus Drug Shows Promise in New Trial

Human Genome Sciences said early Monday that its experimental drug to treat lupus was effective in its second big clinical trial.

Vital Signs: Patterns: For Heart Attacks, Shifts in Gender Gap

Recent surveys showed an increase for women and a decrease for men, which a study’s author said reflected an “ominous trend.”

How Posted Calories Affect Food Orders

One study said an effort had no effect on residents in poor neighborhoods, while another saw modest changes citywide.

Pushing Past the Pain of Exertion

No matter how fast they run or how much experience they have, most runners can experience fear of exertional pain and concern about what to do when it hits during a race.

Practical Traveler: Theme Parks Confront Flu Jitters

With crowded conditions, theme parks are being viewed as the perfect petri dishes for the H1N1 virus by some worried travelers.

Health Care Debate Focuses on Legal Immigrants

Latino leaders, worried that Congress might quietly cut back benefits for legal immigrants, have started an 11th-hour campaign to eliminate proposed waiting periods.

G.O.P. Counters With a Health Plan of Its Own

The bill would reward states for reducing the number of uninsured and limit malpractice awards. It has no chance of passing.

House Bill Would Assure Workers Paid Sick Days

Legislation introduced in Congress on Tuesday would guarantee five paid sick days for workers sent home by their employers with a contagious illness.

Personal Health: A Breathing Technique Offers Help for People With Asthma

An alternative technique developed by a Russian doctor more than a half-century ago has been found effective in some trials.

Really?: The Claim: A Person Can Pay Off a Sleep Debt by Sleeping Late on Weekends

Studies have found that, even after increasing sleep, it can take a week or more for the cognitive and physiological consequences of too little rest to wear off.

Q & A: A Shot in the Arm

Why do some people get a sore arm at the site of a flu vaccine injection while others do not?

Well: A Marathon Run in the Slow Lane

Marathons around the country are getting slower as more charity runners and run-walkers take part.

Cases: A Life Apart, Without a Home, Friends or Regrets

A man at a homeless shelter was described as filled with thought but empty of feeling.

Doctor and Patient: Bending the Rules of Clinical Trials

Doctors often deviate from study rules if doing so might improve a patient’s care, a new survey found.

Economic View: Supply-Side Ideas, Turned Upside Down

The Obama health plan would discourage taxpayers from working to their full potential by making their efforts less rewarding, N. Gregory Mankiw says.

Battling Addiction With Those Who Know It Best

Recovering drug addicts in Philadelphia are joining with experts in a broad network to help those still struggling with substance abuse and depression.

Economic View: How an Insurance Mandate Could Leave Many Worse Off

How government-mandated health insurance could be detrimental to many people it was intended to help.

Report dismays breastmilk lobby

Breastfeeding campaigners say they are dismayed by a draft report commissioned by the food watchdog that finds few problems with advertising for follow-on formula.

Call for tests after sudden death

Doctors are calling for human tissue to be routinely kept for genetic testing whenever young people die without explanation.

Foetal heart rate monitor warning

Doctors are warning expectant parents that at-home foetal heart rate monitors can give false reassurance.

Babies 'cry in mother's tongue'

German researchers say babies begin to pick up the nuances of their parents' accents while still in the womb.

Experts map the body's bacteria

Scientists have developed an atlas of the bacteria that live in different regions of the human body.

Young 'must have swine flu jab'

All schoolchildren and college students should be vaccinated against swine flu, the Tories say.

Tiny tech sparks cell signal find

Tiny metal particles have been shown to cause damage to DNA across a cellular barrier - without having to cross it

Doctor says baby 'better at home'

A doctor says a baby in a right-to life case will be able to communicate with other people and will be better off at home.

Swine flu hits cancer screening

A bowel cancer screening programme is delayed because money to pay for it has gone towards paying for swine flu.

Ugandan girls give birth and go straight back to school for exams

News two schoolgirls went into labour during exams, gave birth and continued with exams in the afternoon shocks Ugandans.

In a bad mood? According to research, it's good for you

In a bad mood? Don't worry - according to research, it's good for you.

Can you teach bedside manner?

Doctors' training is changing to make sure they all have a good bedside manner, says the General Medical Council's Ros Levenson.

Q&A: Advice about swine flu

Information about swine flu and the potential threat it poses.

Fergus On Flu

Has anywhere on the planet escaped swine flu?

In the balance

'Other people's motion would make me sick'

Ski accident

How teenager Chas recovered from devastating injuries

A medic's tale

Losses lead to "sombre mood" at Camp Bastion

Medical notes

A comprehensive guide to clinical conditions

From BBC Health

Coping with anxiety, panic attacks or phobia

Wembley touch for super hospital

The company that built Wembley Stadium wins the £670m contract to construct the New South Glasgow Hospital Campus.

Sex education opt out is reduced

Parents are to lose their right to opt their children out of sex education classes once they reach the age of 15.

Scientists urge respect on advice

Senior academics call on the UK government to respect the independence and freedom of its scientific advisers.

Tackle work stress, bosses told

Employers need to pay more attention to the levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace, key NHS advisers say.

Parties clash over state of NHS

The Conservatives have clashed with the government over a report into the state of the NHS.

NHS communication failure 'rife'

Poor communication between hospital staff and with their patients is far too common and deeply damaging, experts warn.

Nutt 'plans new drug body'

The drugs adviser controversially sacked by the government has vowed to establish a new scientific committee if the current advisory body disbands.

Tributes paid to TB cure doctor

The man who pioneered life-saving treatment for tuberculosis sufferers dies in Edinburgh at the age of 97.

Pregnancy timeline

From fertilisation to birth, an outline guide to a typical pregnancy and how the baby develops inside the womb.

Heart disease and stroke

Cancer: The facts

Information and statistics on common types of cancer