Health and Wellness- | News Tribune

Details of Jolie’s breast treatment revealed

Angelina Jolie’s mother had breast cancer and died of ovarian cancer, and her maternal grandmother also had ovarian cancer — strong evidence of an inherited, genetic risk that led the actress to have both of her healthy breasts removed to try to avoid the same fate, her doctor said Wednesday.

FDA approves genetic test for lung cancer drug

The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved a genetic test from Roche to help doctors identify patients who can benefit from a lung cancer drug made by the company’s Genentech unit.

FDA denies request to block generic painkiller

In a surprise move Friday, federal health regulators denied a request by Endo Health Solutions to block generic versions of its painkiller Opana ER, which the company argued are more easily abused than its branded product.

Coke takes anti-obesity campaign global

Coca-Cola says it will make lower-calorie options and clear calorie labeling more widely available around the world, intensifying a push against critics who say its drinks pack on the pounds.

Gene test may help guide prostate cancer treatment

A new genetic test to gauge the aggressiveness of prostate cancer may help tens of thousands of men each year decide whether they need to treat their cancer right away or can safely monitor it.

States fear loss of health care aid

Thousands of people with serious medical problems are in danger of losing coverage under President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul because of cost overruns, state officials say.

Decades-old question: Is antibacterial soap safe?

It’s a chemical that’s been in U.S. households for more than 40 years, from the body wash in your bathroom shower to the knives on your kitchen counter to the bedding in your baby’s basinet.

Gonorrhea: More dangerous than you think

A strain of the disease has become resistant to many treatments

In the era of HIV and AIDS, perhaps old-fashioned sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) like gonorrhea don't seem like much of a threat anymore. But in the case of gonorrhea, it's a bigger threat than you might think.

FDA device will screen for fake medicines overseas

U.S. health officials are making a high-tech screening device available in Africa to help spot counterfeit malaria pills in hopes that the technology may eventually be used to combat the fake drug trade worldwide.

Officials look for more effective, cheaper access to health care

ER not always best option

Access to health care is the No. 1 community health need, local medical entities say, and access shouldn’t be primarily through emergency rooms. Doctors in ER treat the immediate illnesses, not longer-term health issues.

Final beam set on new hospital

The final steel beam was placed Friday on the structure of the new St. Mary’s Health Center on Mission Drive, signifying another milestone in the construction of the new $200 million hospital complex.

Rally promotes Medicaid expansion

A crowd estimated to be at least 1,000 people — and some supporters said more than 1,500 — rallied at the state Capitol Tuesday afternoon, urging lawmakers to expand Missouri’s Medicaid program.

Hospital looking for teen volunteers

Capital Region Medical Center is looking for teenagers who would like to participate in its summer Volunteen Program. Call 632-5032 or email skrull@crmc.org.

Suicide survivors help to shape prevention efforts

They look intently at the camera, some impassively, some with smiles, all of them aware that they've just shared with an online audience a most personal story: Why they tried to kill themselves.

Report diagnoses doctor shortage

Affordable Care Act to strain declining base of primary care physicians

When medical students visit Dr. Garry Pearson’s Jefferson City practice, the family practitioner always asks what they’re going to be when they grow up. “Not what you do. I can tell you that,” the students always tell him.

FDA reviewing heart risks of Avandia diabetes pill

The Food and Drug Administration will hold a meeting in June to reassess the safety of GlaxoSmithKline’s former blockbuster drug Avandia, which was severely restricted in 2010 due to concerns about its impact on the heart.

FDA says longer use of nicotine gum is OK

The Food and Drug Administration says smokers who are trying to quit can safely use over-the counter nicotine gum, patches and lozenges for longer than previously recommended in a move to help millions of Americans kick the habit.

Crisis hotlines turning to text to reach teens

They stream in from teens around the United States, cries for help often sent in by text message. "I feel like committing suicide," one text read. "What's the suicide hotline number?" Another asked: "How do you tell a friend they need to go to rehab?"

FDA approves new multiple sclerosis capsules

The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday it approved a new drug from Biogen Idec to control multiple sclerosis in adults with hard-to-treat forms of the disease.

Merck: FDA reviewing tablet to eliminate allergy

Drugmaker Merck & Co. said Wednesday that federal regulators are reviewing its application to sell a new type of treatment for grass pollen allergy that gradually reduces allergy symptoms over time, rather than just temporarily relieving the sneezing and itching.

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