American Council on Science and Health, 2011: Week 41

The presence of linked articles here are merely a way of showing what is going on, whether I agree or disagree with the positions presented. Rich Kozlovich

AIDS

Time to rethink the MSM blood donation ban
Men who have had sex with another man on any occasion since 1977 are currently prohibited from donating blood in the U.S.

My Take – Over the years these assurances have turned out to be false comfort for those who contracted  this disease. RK

BLOOD PRESSURE

DIET Don’t underestimate risks associated with prehypertension
Classified as "the silent killer," hypertension is the underlying cause of many adverse health outcomes, including heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.

CANCER

A prostate cancer prophylaxis? Vitamin E pills are anything but
Yesterday we wrote about the potential ill effects of taking supplements, and today we continue in the same vein, as a new study has linked the use of vitamin E pills to prostate cancer.

Post-mastectomy radiotherapy effective for some cancer patients
At this year's annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, Dr. Rahul Tendulkar of the Cleveland Clinic presented important data on the efficacy of radiation therapy following a mastectomy in breast cancer patients with only a few (one to three) positive lymph nodes.

DIET AND OBIESITY

Weighty concerns about teenage bariatric surgery
A commentary in the New England Journal of Medicine expresses concerns about the advisability of employing weight-loss surgery for teenagers who are severely obese.

For diabetics, the clock is ticking
A large study has found that the risk of ischemic stroke - the most common type - rises over time with diabetes, and may triple ten years after the diagnosis is made.

EPILEPCY

Grand news for epileptics
A new report published in The Lancet by researchers in London reveals promising news for epileptics: About half of epilepsy patients are able to remain entirely free of seizures for at least 10 years following brain surgery for the disorder.

GMO’S

GM salmon’s uphill swim may be near the end
Last time we checked on the status of the genetically-engineered salmon developed by AquaBounty Technologies, a number of Congressmen and Senators were clamoring to prohibit the FDA from approving the fish. Now, the FDA has submitted its support of the salmon's commercial production, leaving only the final step of approval from the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

PARMA

Old drugs, new tricks
Two existing drugs have recently been given FDA approval for new uses: One targets prostate enlargement, and the other is a combination diabetes and statin drug that is projected to prevent a wide range of complications commonly associated with diabetes, including cardiovascular disease (CVD).

SCARES AND CONSEQUENCES

More of the same ALAR-mist tripe from NRDC
We've reported on bad studies. We've reported on scare tactics. But a new screed from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) manages to combine both of these in one wildly unfounded toxic seafood threat.

STUDIES – TURE, FALSE AND MISLEADING

There are good studies, bad studies... and then this
Despite ACSH's efforts to promote sound scientific practices in public health research and journalism, there are always some researchers who seem to manipulate data and stretch them to limits unjustified by any rational interpretation.

SUPPLEMENTS

If supplements don't help, why bother?
New research is questioning the benefits of taking supplemental vitamins and minerals, suggesting that, for the general population, such supplements may actually pose more risks than benefits.

Young women need folate — and so do their progeny
This week, we haven't had much that's positive to say about dietary supplements. However, the results of a new Norwegian study have reminded us that, despite the questionable utility of most supplements, folic acid actually offers real benefits.

TB

Global toll of tuberculosis falling, yet still one of the leading killers
In its 2011 Global Tuberculosis Control Report, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that last year, for the first time, the global incidence of tuberculosis (TB) declined, while deaths associated with the disease dropped to a record low for the past decade.

TOBACCCO

Hospital anti-smoking advice not up to snuff, nor snus
Are hospitals really doing enough to help smokers quit the dangerous habit?

Maybe new e-cigarette study will lower the heat
The clean nicotine delivery device known as the electronic cigarette has fared well in its first clinical trial.

If there is a health scare today, the American Council on Science and Health will most likely have the answer by tomorrow; and for members it will appear in your e-mail. No effort on your part, except to read the answer. All that the ACSH is interested in are the facts and they are prepared to follow them wherever they lead. Who can ask for more?  Please Donate Now!

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