Arthritis makes work tough going for millions
For almost 7 million American workers, arthritis keeps them from doing their job at peak performance, researchers estimate based on data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.
As part of the survey, more than 31,000 working-age adults were asked whether they had doctor-diagnosed arthritis and whether arthritis or joint symptoms limited their ability to work or the type or amount of work that they engage in.
Cinnamon does not aid type 1 diabetes control
Despite earlier promising findings, it seems unlikely that cinnamon can improve blood sugar levels in people with type 1, or insulin-dependent, diabetes, researchers report.
Previous research has shown that cinnamon appears to help fat cells recognize and respond to insulin. In test tube experiments and in animal studies, the spice led to a noteworthy increase in the processing of glucose.
Fitness gains last in breast cancer survivors
In a recent study, women getting over breast cancer treatment who participated in an 8-week supervised aerobic and strength training program improved their physical fitness and quality of life. Now, a follow up study of the women indicates that some of the physical fitness gains last well beyond the training period.
This is an important finding, the researchers say, given that it is unrealistic to assume that women will continue with an exercise regimen similar to a supervised training program when they’re on their own.
Heart experts say Merck arthritis drug too risky
Two prominent U.S. heart experts said studies of Merck & Co. Inc. arthritis drug Arcoxia revealed risks that should prevent its approval in the United States and that the drug posed unacceptable dangers in the 63 countries where it is already sold.
The concerns were expressed on Thursday by Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Curt Furberg, a professor of public health at Wake Forest University who is a member of the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Survival rate with melanoma has improved
The overall survival of people diagnosed with melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, has improved over the past 25 years or so, German researchers report.
They note in their report in the medical journal Cancer that melanoma is quite curable if it’s caught early; however, the improvement in survival they have observed may not be entirely due to early diagnosis.
