Among people who have had blood clots, men are twice as likely as
women to have them again after finishing treatment, according to an
analysis of several studies.

There is no discernible difference in the risk of a
first blood clot between men and women. When it comes to recurrent
thrombosis, however, McRae concludes that men appear to be
statistically at higher risk.

McRae said that the discrepancy is significant enough that physicians should take gender into account when treating patients.

Read (AP via WTOP)

Middle-age people with prediabetes, high blood pressure and other factors that might increase their risk of Alzheimer’s should just say no to that chocolate milkshake and go for a walk instead, according to research out Wednesday.

People who had high blood pressure and prediabetes tended to score poorly on the tests, the study found. These relatively young people already displayed subtle difficulties with memory , problems that as of now probably don’t affect their performance at work or at home. “The fear is that if this goes on, it might ultimately lead to dementia later in life,” says Benjamin Seltzer, the neurologist on the Tulane study.

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-18-alzheimers-lifestyle_x.htm?csp=34) (USA Today)

Addiction is endemic in American families. A USA TODAY/HBO nationwide poll of adults April 27-May 31 found that one in five said they had an immediate relative who at some point had been addicted to alcohol or drugs. That translates into roughly 40 million American adults with a spouse, parent, sibling or child battling addiction, and that doesn’t count the millions of children living with an addicted parent.

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-19-addiction-family_x.htm?csp=34) (USA Today)

Many hospital patients who have a limited ability to speak English and who need a translator don’t get one, which puts them at risk for poor and sometimes life-threatening medical care. From 1990 to 2000, the number of residents with limited English proficiency grew by 7 million, to 21 million, or 8.1% of the population. Yet, one study showed that no interpreter was used in 46% of emergency department cases involving such patients.

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-07-20-hospital-language_x.htm?csp=34) (USA Today)

Couch potatoes who start exercising in later life can reduce their chances of developing heart disease, according to research. Scientists found the risk of coronary heart disease could be cut by up to 55% if people became physically active at the age of 40.

[Read](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5188284.stm) (BBC)

One person died and another was reported in critical condition among dozens of people staying at a Roanoke College dormitory who were sickened by a carbon monoxide leak Friday morning, college officials said.

[Read](http://www.nbc4.com/news/9518760/detail.html?rss=dc&psp=news) (Nbc4.com)

I guess that explains all of the rescue squads I saw this morning when I was taking my youngest to camp. I saw 2 Salem Rescue Squads with their lights and sirens on going to Lewis Gale and 3 Roanoke Memorial units with their lights and sirens on rushing toward the Roanoke College area.

Parkinson’s isn’t just an old person’s disease: A growing number of Americans are diagnosed before age 50, and their illness seems biologically somewhat different from the version that strikes seniors. Instead of trembling, younger patients at first may find it hard to stand up straight, or drag a foot while walking.

[Read](http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=106&sid=845457) (AP via WTOP)

As employers look to cut prescription drug costs, some consumers are finding Lipitor, the world’s most popular drug, harder and more expensive to get – copays have increased.

The leading anti-cholesterol drug is under pressure as employers push for use of lower-cost generics. In June, Zocor went generic, setting up Lipitor’s first big generic challenge.

It’s estimated that 60% of the 20 million Americans who take anti-cholesterol drugs take less than 40 milligrams a day, and they could safely take a generic.

[Read](http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2006-07-10-generic-drugs-usat_x.htm?csp=34) (USA Today)

As I’ve found out, my copay for [Tricor](http://www.tricortablets.com/ “More than you ever wanted to know about Tricor”), another cholesterol drug, has increased to $55 per month, and there’s no generic for Tricor.

Major depression is a leading cause of disability globally, and according to U.S. researchers, people who are obese are more at risk of suffering from a psychiatric disorder.

The researchers studied more than 9,000 people and found that there is a strong link between obesity and mood and anxiety disorders, especially among White Americans.

They found that an obese person is about 25% more likely than a non-obese person to have a mood or anxiety disorder, such as depression. In those with more education and higher income, the risk may be as high as 44 percent.

[Read](http://www.news-medical.net/?id=18707) (News-Medical.Net)

Chronic inflammation arising from dental disease has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries — a key risk factor for stroke. Advanced carotid artery blockages contain calcium, and can be imaged when a dentist takes a panoramic x-ray of the teeth.

[Read](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13685833/) (Reuters via MSNBC)

Scientists have found that marinating meats may help reduce unhealthy cholesterol compounds that form during cooking. Researchers in Taiwan found that marinades made with soy sauce or sugar inhibited the formation of cholesterol oxidation products in pork and eggs as they cooked.

[Read](http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/07/03/cholesterol.marinating.reut/) (Reuters via CNN)

One in five cancer survivors younger than 65 delay getting necessary care, or may not receive such care at all, due to cost, a new study shows.

[Read](http://www.cancerpage.com/news/article.asp?id=9863) (Reuters via CancerPage.com)