Local Health News

CHICAGO — Bill Dunphy thought his colonoscopy would be free.His insurance company told him it would be covered 100 percent, with no copayment from him and no charge against his deductible. The nation’s 1-year-old health law requires most...... Full story

This week Dr. Carmen Rocco, Brownsville pediatrician, shares with us her thoughts on healthy parenting:“Jackie Kennedy 0nassis wisely said that, ‘If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very...... Full story

I recently read a report by The Trust for Public Land () about how cities, parks departments, schools, non-profits, businesses and urban planners are making a positive impact on health and saving tax payers money across the country.The report...... Full story

By Hannah DreierContra Costa TimesOAKLEY, Calif. — Living with tumors that permeate his body has made 13-year-old Sam Burgis a master at adaptation.The Oakley, Calif., resident has a hard time writing, so he draws and paints to express...... Full story

By Fred TaskerMcClatchy NewspapersMIAMI — When a person’s heart arteries are clogged, it’s relatively routine to open them with a probe, then leave a sleeve-like mesh stent to hold the artery open. It’s a much newer technique...... Full story

By KELLI KENNEDYThe Associated Press COCONUT CREEK, Fla. — Hilary Waller remembers begging her mother to let her fast on Yom Kippur. At 10 years old she was a bit too young, but embracing the rigid discipline seemed desperately...... Full story

   WASHINGTON — A review by federal health scientists reinforces potential ties between the diabetes pill Avandia and heart attack and death, opening the door for government action, including a possible withdrawal of the once...... Full story

   NEW YORK - Advocates of the female condom are promoting a less costly, more user-friendly version that they hope will vastly expand its role in the global fight against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.    An early...... Full story

   LONDON - Being obese can take years off your life and in some cases may be as dangerous as smoking, a new study says.    British researchers at the University of Oxford analyzed 57 studies mostly in Europe and North America,...... Full story

   WASHINGTON - You've heard that diabetes hurts your heart, your eyes, your kidneys. New research indicates a more ominous link: That diabetes increases the risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and may speed dementia once it strikes....... Full story

By STEVE KARNOWSKI The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS — When a Duluth-based operator of hospitals and clinics purged the pens, notepads, coffee mugs and other promotional trinkets drug companies had given its doctors over the years, it took 20...... Full story