New vaccines should reduce shots for kids



ATLANTA A federal advisory panel has endorsed two new combination vaccines designed to reduce the number of needle sticks that young children must endure to get the recommended immunizations. The panel gave its nod to a four-in-one shot made by GlaxoSmithKline. It offers protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio and costs $45. It’s given once to preschoolaged children. Also […]

Did tomatoes really spread salmonella?



WASHINGTON As salmonella cases continue to climb, the government is checking if tainted tomatoes really are to blame for the record outbreak – or if the problem is with another ingredient, or a warehouse that is contaminating newly harvested tomatoes. The widening outbreak – with 810 people confirmed ill – means whatever is making people sick could very well still […]

Blood pressure medicine is usually taken for life



DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My doctor has me taking two blood pressure medicines every day. There was a time when my pressure was quite high. Now it’s normal. I take my pressure every day. I am retired, and I think that brought my pressure down. Can I safely stop one of my blood pressure medicines? – D.K. ANSWER: It would be […]

Alcohol Consumption and Diabetes



Consuming alcohol is a matter of debate in the medical community. The natural reaction is to discourage it, especially if people are drinking excessive amounts and abusing it. Yet, on the other hand, some research suggests that drinking beer or wine can actually improve health. So what is the answer for people with diabetes? Moderation. The truth is that if […]