Articles by Rhodi Lee
Study links childhood malnutrition to hypertension in adulthood
Individuals who experienced severe malnutrition when they were very young have elevated risks to have high blood pressure when they reach adulthood particularly if they have weight-related problems.
HIV prophylaxis lowers risk of genital herpes: Study
Individuals with elevated risks for HIV infection also reduce their risks for genital herpes if they use Truvada or the drug tenofovir alone, findings of a new study suggest.
FDA approves Orzurdex implantable eye treatment
Federal regulators have green-lighted a new use for Allergan's Ozurdex. The biodegradable eye implant can now be used by patients with Diabetic macular edema, a condition that affects over 560,000 in the U.S.
Bone marrow transplant may reverse adult sickle disease
The experimental treatment, which involves using stem cells from a patient's sibling, allows individuals with sickle cell disease to stop taking immunosuppressants that could weaken the immune system and cause other unwanted side effects.
Deaths in Florida due to pain killers, other drugs drop. Thanks to tougher measures
The number of deaths caused by drug overdose in Florida dropped significantly after the state adopted legislative measures to curb pill mills and conducted raids that resulted in drug seizures and closures of pain clinics.
Oscar Pistorius not mentally ill when he shot, killed girlfriend
Despite a forensic psychiatrist's testimony that double amputee athlete Oscar Pistorius suffered from general anxiety disorder, psychiatric assessments show Pistorius was not suffering from mental illness when he killed his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp last year.
Religious rights above free contraception program, says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that companies can have religious rights and cannot be forced to pay for the contraceptives of their employees if they have religious objections.
Doctors do not recommend routine pelvic exams for healthy women
The new guideline issued by the American College of Physicians may bring relief to women who are uncomfortable with regular pelvic exams. The ACP no longer recommends the invasive test for healthy women.
UK wants more sperm donors, mulls on accepting older donors
Amidst shortage of donor sperm in the UK, study finds sperm from donors between 41 to 45 years old have slightly increased odds for live birth. Current guidelines require donors not to be older than 40.
Study on supercooling preserves organs longer, shows promise on boosting organ donation
Researchers found they can preserve rat livers for several days using a technique known as supercooling. The method may improve organ transplantation and donation once it is found to also work with humans.
New York governor wants to end HIV, AIDS crisis by 2020
If successful, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan could reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS in New York to below epidemic levels from the current 3,000 new cases of HIV per year to 750 by 2020.
CDC scientists retrace events leading to possible anthrax exposure
The CDC is investigating if the anthrax bacteria sent to laboratories were inactivated. Scientists and staff are feared to have been exposed to the deadly bacteria.
Nestle recalls 10,000 packs of Haagen-Dazs ice cream due to mislabeling
Nestle announced on Friday that it is recalling limited packs of its Haagen-Dazs chocolate peanut butter ice cream because of mismatched labeling that could result in serious risks for certain individuals.
Egyptian military's 'complete cure device' for AIDS, hepatitis C needs more testing
Two days before it was set to launch, Egypt's military postponed the public use of the curative device because its clinical trials are not yet over.
Drop the needle, choose flu spray for kids, says experts
Experts from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend nasal spray flu vaccine over traditional shots for kids between 2 and 8 years old. The American Academy of Pediatrics, however, said that flu spray is more expensive and is not for everyone.
Drastic action needed to contain Ebola: WHO
As the Ebola outbreak happening in West Africa reaches cities and border areas, WHO said that firm action by governments and partners is needed to address the epidemic as it threatens to spread to more countries.
Traumatic brain injury ups risk of Alzheimer's, early death
Military veterans who experienced severe brain trauma were more likely to develop dementia than those who did not. They are also likely to die earlier than their counterparts who did not experience traumatic brain injuries.
FDA approves Afrezza inhalable insulin for diabetics. Buh-bye needles?
Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes now have an alternative for insulin shots. FDA finally gave its go signal to Afrezza, insulin that is administered through a whistle-sized inhaler.
Many pregnant women not aware how household toxins can affect babies
Although obstetricians are aware of the importance of giving advice to pregnant women about environmental hazards that can harm developing babies, many fail to provide counseling. Health providers caring for lower income women find it difficult to raise the issue to their patients.
FDA approves marketing of ReWalk, exoskeleton that will let paraplegics walk
The ReWalk, a device invented by an Israeli quadriplegic that allows paraplegics to walk, will cost $69,500 and will be made available for patients who meet medical requirements and complete the required training.
Binge drinking kills 88,000 Americans every year: Study
Many Americans die at the prime of their life because of excessive drinking, a new study finds. One in 10 American adults dies because of the health effects and incidents such as violence and vehicle crashes caused by drinking too much alcohol.
Deep brain stimulation may help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Individuals with severe symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder who do not respond well to standard OCD treatments may undergo deep brain stimulation. A 37-year-old patient with highly resistant OCD showed improvements with the invasive treatment.
CDC launches graphic anti-smoking ad. Look and quit
The new graphic ads for CDC's "Tips From Former Smokers" campaign can scare smokers and non-smokers of the dangers of smoking. The new ads were launched online on Tuesday and will run nationwide for nine weeks starting July 7.
Breast cancer screening: 3D mammograms improves detection by 41 percent, lowers false positives
Combining digital mammography and 3D mammogram can significantly improve detection of breast cancer, study finds. The new technology could pave way to changes in how women are screened for breast cancer.
Engineered virus-specific T Cells safe and effective in immunocompromised patients
T-cells that were engineered to target specific viruses were found to be effective and safe in protecting patients who underwent bone marrow transplant and with compromised immune system from potentially fatal infections.
Women who have babies after 33 may live longer
Women give birth after hitting 33 years of age may to live longer says a new study. Scientists say that giving birth at a later age is a sign that a woman's body, along with her reproductive system, age slowly.
Symptom-free individuals do not need Vitamin D screening, says experts
An influential panel of health experts decided not to endorse vitamin D screening as part of medical care routine citing lack of evidence to support the benefits of the test.
VA officials aware of data manipulation revealed by 2012 audit
Although VA officials deny knowing about the falsification of patient wait times data prior to revelations of whistle blower Sam Foote this year, newly obtained records show they are already aware of the problem for at least two years.
Kentucky hospital gives free reconstructive surgery to woman disfigured by cancer treatments
Lessya Kotelevskaya's disfigured face has negatively impacted her. A reconstructive surgery she underwent at the University of Louisville on Monday, however, may positively change her life.
Keep your brain busy, lower risk of cognitive decline: Study
Engaging in brain stimulating activities such as doing crossword puzzles can help delay the onset of cognitive problems. Researchers found that adopting a mentally stimulating lifestyle can delay memory and thinking problems by five years regardless of educational and work background.
