Measuring bone mineral density (BMD) with DEXA is replacing older methods (such as SPA and DPA). However, DEXA testing is not yet available everywhere.
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In last month’s issue, we answered a question from a reader who wondered why his angina returned after bypass surgery, which is done to relieve angina as well as to prevent heart attacks. The often-worrisome return of angina occurs when arteries – either those that couldn’t be bypassed or different ones – become clogged. Vessels grafted on during bypass can also clog. Read more »

A female New Jersey postal worker has contracted skin anthrax, making her the sixth person in the United States to test positive for the potential germ warfare bacteria, state officials said on Thursday.

They said tests on a second postal worker showed evidence that his body had recently been fighting off an infection, but they could not say for certain that it was anthrax. Read more »

An experimental drug could offer an effective nonstimulant alternative for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new report.

Atomoxetine not only eases symptoms of ADHD but also reduces problems associated with family and social functioning, Dr. Calvin R. Sumner told Reuters Health in an interview. Sumner is a researcher at Eli Lilly and Company, the firm that developed atomoxetine and funded the research. Read more »

How Gerry Trickle got help for her decorative angst.

I did get help. I called up my friend Steve. He’s a design consultant for a chi chi firm in New York City. This man can take burlap bags and turn them into something exquisite. I explained my problem. The next weekend he descended upon my place, throwing open closets, china cabinets and scrounging through the attic, for what I don’t know. My array of table linens were housed in one closet I reminded him that my problem was table coverings not what to display on them.

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Q: My first-grade son is very bright, but he is having problems in school. The teacher says he doesn’t pay attention. She suggests putting him on medication. This is the last thing I want to do. What do you advise?

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Not all doctors offer the same counseling to teens. Here’s study report to help you decide.

Concerned and interested parents of adolescents sometimes rely on medical practitioners and look to them for teen counseling related to smoking prevention and quitting. Not all medical practitioners offer the same screening, counseling, or spend the same amount of time with patients. These parents may be interested in weighing the report of the following survey study conducted at the University of Rochester. They conducted a study on smoking prevention and cessation screening and counseling given to adolescents by various medical practitioners. Read more »

It’s difficult to tell whether or not your having a flare or experiencing an infection and it’s important to distinguise between the two. Read more on why you should know the difference and what to do about them.
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Hikers isolated by miles of woods may face a life-threatening situation due to over-exposure if they sustain a sprained ankle. The editor of Fitness Headlines tells you the difference between a mild and a severe sprain.

“Preventive care is the most effective way to avoid sprains and strains. Before engaging in any strenuous sports activity, get in shape.” Read more »

Are antidepressants good treatment for fibromyalgia symptoms?

Muscle pain and tiredness are symptoms of the disorder fibromyalgia. Many prescriptions are used to treat this issue along with making some changes in the way the person lives. What is the drug of choice for a diagnosis of fibromyalgia?
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