July 2012 - NPR Health Blog - The Network of Care

How HIV Hijacks The Immune System

HIV is like a jack-in-the-box. When the viruses bump into particular cells in the immune system, the viruses' shells pop open and their genes enter the cells. Experimental therapies for HIV could stop the virus from getting in. Read More...

Published Thu, Jul 19 2012 8:46 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Prostate Cancer Surgery Shows No Benefit For Many Men

A study of more than 700 men with prostate cancer found no difference in rates of death among men who had their prostates surgically removed compared to those who didn't. The findings suggest that men with low-risk cancers could forgo surgery. Read...

Published Wed, Jul 18 2012 3:03 PM by Shots - Health Blog

HIV Cure Is Closer As Patient's Full Recovery Inspires New Research

After Timothy Ray Brown became the first person to be cured of HIV, scientists became more optimistic that they could find other ways to cure patients. Two of the most promising possibilities include a vaccine and gene therapy that would re-engineer the...

Published Wed, Jul 18 2012 2:02 PM by Shots - Health Blog

FDA Approves Second Diet Drug In A Month

Qsymia was approved for treating obese adults or those who are overweight and have one weight-related condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The drug can cause birth defects and will only be sold through approved mail-order...

Published Wed, Jul 18 2012 6:59 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Could The Health Law End Up Back In Court? Opponents Think So

Some conservative scholars think they may have discovered a flaw that could send the law back to court, or at least cause some big problems for its implementation. Read More...

Published Wed, Jul 18 2012 12:08 AM by Shots - Health Blog

HIV Prevention Drug Truvada No Quick Fix For Brazil's Epidemic

Some Brazilian researchers say Truvada should only be given to very specific groups at risk of getting HIV, like young, gay men. Others are concerned that a drug that blocks the transmission of HIV could be a set-back for safe sex campaigns and might...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 2:15 PM by Shots - Health Blog

Cholera Vaccination Test Reached Targets In Haiti

Almost 90 percent of the target population – half in Port-au-Prince and the other half in a remote rural area – got fully protected against cholera. The results defy the forecasts of skeptics who said in advance of the campaign that it would be lucky...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 11:17 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Athletes Look For Doping Edge, Despite Tests And Risks

Athletes at the London Olympics will be subjected to more testing for performance-enhancing drugs than at any other games. Just one positive test can ruin their chances at gold, but these elite athletes might not be the ones who have the most to lose...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 10:38 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Health Insurance Prices For Women Set To Drop

Women spend $1 billion more annually on their health premiums than they would if they were men. But under the recently upheld health law, insurers won't be allowed to charge higher rates based on gender starting in 2014. Read More...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 7:50 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Deciding On Truvada: Who Should Take New HIV Prevention Pill?

Truvada, the first HIV prevention pill, costs about $13,000 a year, and it's not clear whether insurers will pay for it. And while taking a daily pill sounds simple, the new prevention strategy involves some complicated issues. Read More...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 12:05 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Deciding On Truvada: Who Should Take An HIV Prevention Pill?

Truvada, the first HIV prevention pill, costs about $13,000 a year, and it's not clear whether insurers will pay for it. And while taking a daily pill sounds simple, the new prevention strategy involves some complicated issues. Read More...

Published Tue, Jul 17 2012 12:05 AM by Shots - Health Blog

FDA Approves First Drug To Prevent HIV Infection

The drug was approved for people who test negative for HIV infection. It's supposed to be used in combination with safe-sex practices, such as using a condom, to reduce infection risk. Read More...

Published Mon, Jul 16 2012 10:39 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Is HIV Still A Death Sentence? Young People Weigh In

Young Americans who came of age in a world with AIDS say worrying about HIV in 2012 isn't much different than worrying about other sexually-transmitted diseases. But others say there isn't much discussion about the risks of the disease in their...

Published Mon, Jul 16 2012 12:25 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Treatment Gives HIV's Long-Term Survivors Hope, But Takes A Toll

AIDS has been around for long enough that some people have lived for decades with the HIV virus. But as they age, survivors face new challenges as complicated medication regimens have their own impact on health. Read More...

Published Mon, Jul 16 2012 12:23 AM by Shots - Health Blog

Thriving Gut Bacteria Linked To Good Health

Aging people who cook with vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins at home have more kinds of gut bacteria, than those eating a bland nursing home diet, says a new study. Researchers say that in addition to digestion, these bacteria might also increase...

Published Sun, Jul 15 2012 5:52 PM by Shots - Health Blog

July 2012 - NPR Health Blog

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