health

Our Coast
By Alex Pines
December 2, 2011 - 1:44pm
A journey along California’s 840 miles of coastline shows urbanization’s impact on communities, the environment and people's lives.

Extensive coastal development in the past 50 years has been a detrimental to California's natural landscape and the famous surf spots.

"There”s no question that California”s population has doubled in the 43 years since I’ve been here," said Gary Griggs, director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California-Santa Cruz. "It's gone from 19 million to almost 39 million people. And most of the those people, 75 percent of them are living in coastal counties."

Aspirin May Reduce Cancer In High Risk Patients
By Jared Kraham
October 28, 2011 - 10:01am
Study says two daily doses can cut threat by 63 percent

The Los Angeles Times reports that according to a new study, patients who take aspirin daily develop colon cancer less often than those not receiving aspirin treatments. These results are seen especially in patients who have genetic conditions that predispose them to cancer. The study, out of Newcastle University in England, found that patients who took aspirin over two years had a 63 percent reduced chance of colon cancer.

Nobel Medicine Prize Winners Announced for 2011
By Sophia Borrelli
October 3, 2011 - 10:41am
Monday's recipients were chosen for their work on the immune system

The Nobel Prize in medicine was announced on Monday. Foxnews.com reported that American scientist Bruce Beutler and French scientist Jules Hoffmann split the prize money, 100 million-kronor (worth $1.5 million dollars) with Canadian-born scientist Ralph Steinman.

Swine flu makes appearance in Venezuela
By Amy Lipman
March 23, 2011 - 11:26am
H1N1 cases confirmed, health minister says it's not considered an epidemic.

As flu season comes to a close with the start of Spring in Central New York, it appears to be beginning elsewhere in the world. According to CNN, there has been an outbreak of H1N1 virus, or the swine flu, in the state of Merida, Venezuela.

Teen dies while waiting for second lung transplant
By Gina Marie Lazara
March 10, 2011 - 3:24am
17-year-old loses brave battle to cystic fibrosis.

Nick Lawrence, 17, of Herkimer died Monday while waiting for his second lung transplant, according to The Post-Standard. 

Lawrence was battling cystic fibrosis his entire life but was more recently fighting a chronic rejection of his transported lung. 

Number of flu cases decreases for the first time
By Gina Marie Lazara
March 8, 2011 - 3:07pm
Health commissioner says flu may have peaked.

Last week, the number of lab-confirmed influenza cases declined in Onondaga County for the first time all flu season. The flu may have finally had its peak, according to The Post-Standard.

Health employee faces probation for stealing from patient
By Rachel Marcus
February 23, 2011 - 4:46pm
Worker meets verdict in larceny case.

A former St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center employee who stole from a former patient was sentenced today to five years probtion, according to The Post-Standard.

Tabitha Valentin, 21, of Syracuse, stole a necklace from a sleeping patient in September 2009. She pleaded guilty to fourth-degree larceny in July and is required to pay money in restitution.

Diet may reduce cholesterol better than drugs
By Gina Marie Lazara
February 22, 2011 - 4:26pm
'Total Lifestyle Change' diet reduces cholesterol 20 to 30 percent.

Most people with high cholesterol take prescriptions to lower their risk for atherosclerosis and strokes. However, these types of medications will often act negatively with other prescribed drugs, according to The Post-Standard.

Research shows changes in a person's diet can reduce cholesterol, almost as well as drugs, but without the undesirable side effects.

Smokers to face more than health risks
By Alexandria Goodson
February 11, 2011 - 9:37am
Nicotine users may lose job opportunities over addiction.

Nicotine is a drug, just like caffeine. But cigarettes are so commonly used and accepted many people may not think of them as "drugs" – until now. The New York Times reports job applications now warn of "tobacco-free" hiring, requiring the job-seeker to submit a urine tests for nicotine. New employees could even be fired if caught smoking.

First Lady Michelle Obama attempts to make America healthier
By Gina Marie Lazara
February 8, 2011 - 5:01pm
Mrs. Obama tries to reduce obesity with new tactics.

Ever since President Barrack Obama was elected, First Lady Michelle Obama has been determined to reduce obesity in America, according to The Post-Standard. Her anti-obesity campaign, “Let’s Move!” is celebrating its on-year anniversary this week.

Mrs. Obama is taking action in various ways to reduce obesity. She has pushed for healthier school lunches, easier-to-understand nutrition labels and her most recent task – taking on the restaurant industry.