Swine flu uptick… Texting-related injuries… Curing stomach aches with chocolate… These are just some of the interesting health and medicine-related stories we've uncovered for this week's Medical News Notes:
Swine Flu Infections Expected to Rise over the Holidays.
Although the number of reported H1N1 "Swine" flu infections are on the decline, federal health officials expect cases to increase over the next few weeks. Air travel, parties, shopping malls and other venues that crowd people together will provide the perfect environment to spread germs. To prevent infection, health officials suggest the familiar combination of frequent hand-washing, avoiding shaking hands, staying away from crowds (when possible) and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing.
Too Much Texting Can Lead to Painful Injuries.
Researchers are finding that college-age kids who text frequently show signs of injuries similar to those of adults who've spent decades in front of a keyboard. According to researchers at Philadelphia's Temple University, small smartphone keyboards cause frequent users to develop neck, shoulder and upper back strain that could lead to even more serious long-term problems. They say smartphone manufacturers need to design products that are more user-friendly. In the meantime…consider email.
Dark Chocolate Shown to Lessen Stress Response.
Have stress-related stomach problems? Instead of reaching for the antacids, you might want to try one or two pieces of dark chocolate. Peer-reviewed research done by Switzerland's Nestlé Research Center (Yes, that Nestlé) showed that eating 40 grams of dark chocolate a day for two weeks had a measurably positive effect on stress-related metabolism, especially the growth of good "gut" bacteria. This is not the first time dark chocolate (not the more popular milk chocolate) has been shown to have positive health benefits. So eat away—in moderation. And remember to brush your teeth afterwards.
For Most People, Alcoholism can be Controlled.
Alcoholics are not created equal, according to a flurry of new studies by substance abuse centers throughout the U.S. Although approximately 30% of Americans have experienced some degree of alcohol abuse, only about 1% fit the classic stereotype of the obsessive drinker for whom swearing off booze entirely is the only solution. Not only can most people return to moderate, non-abusive drinking even after a lengthy binge, but most people manage to do so without professional help or membership in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Genetics and psychology play a much larger role in alcoholism than previously thought, most experts believe.
New Drugs on the Way for Female, Male Sexual Issues.
The German Company Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals has approached the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to approve a new drug it's developed to increase female sexual desire and response. This is the first drug that works directly on the brain to lower inhibitions rather than artificially stimulate the body. On the flip side, Plethora Solutions of London and Sciele Pharma of Atlanta plan to introduce a fast-acting spray that combats premature ejaculation, which is believed to affect more than twice the number of men as erectile dysfunction (ED).
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