WHTM - Health - Headline

Study: No higher cancer rate at Conn. Pratt plant

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:48:00 EDT

An 11-year study of the incidence of brain cancer at jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney in the state ended Thursday with university researchers saying they found no statistically significant elevations in the rate...

Hobby Lobby tests birth-control coverage mandate

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:27:00 EDT

In the most prominent challenge of its kind, Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. asked a federal appeals court Thursday for an exemption from part of the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage that...

WHO: Scientific red tape mars efforts vs. virus

Thu, 23 May 2013 17:48:00 EDT

International efforts to combat a new pneumonia-like virus that has now killed 22 people are being slowed by unclear rules and competition for the potentially profitable rights to disease samples, the head of the World...

Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:17:00 EDT

The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report.

Shuttered NM plant resumes making peanut butter

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:17:00 EDT

The eastern New Mexico peanut butter plant shuttered eight months ago after a salmonella outbreak is back in production, and company officials say their coveted natural and organic butters could be back on store shelves...

Report: Nation's kids need to get more physical

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:27:00 EDT

Reading, writing, arithmetic - and PE?

Teen birth rates decline in most US states

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:27:00 EDT

By The Associated Press The U.S. teen birth rate fell 25 percent over five years to a record low of 31 births per 1,000 teens ages 15 to 19, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and...

Doctors save Ohio boy by 'printing' an airway tube

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:16:00 EDT

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer In a medical first, doctors used plastic particles and a 3-D laser printer to create an airway splint to save the life of a baby boy who used to stop breathing...

Polish man gets quick face transplant after injury

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:27:00 EDT

A 33-year-old Polish man received a face transplant just three weeks after being disfigured in a workplace accident, in what his doctors said Wednesday is the fastest time frame to date for such an operation. It was...

More doctors, hospitals using electronic records

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:56:00 EDT

The Obama administration says more doctors and hospitals are embracing technology as adoption of computerized medical records reaches a "tipping point" in America.

Portland, Ore., rejecting water fluoridation

Wed, 22 May 2013 03:06:00 EDT

The mayor of Portland, Ore., has conceded defeat in an effort to add fluoride to the city's drinking water.

Cancer Society hits 100 as US cancer rate falls

Wed, 22 May 2013 02:46:00 EDT

The American Cancer Society - one of the nation's best known and influential health advocacy groups - is 100 years old this week.

Tunisia announces 3 cases of coronavirus, 1 death

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:55:00 EDT

A 66-year-old Tunisian man has died from the new coronavirus following a visit to Saudi Arabia and two of his adult children were infected with it, the Tunisian Health Ministry reported.

Report: NPS hantavirus response followed policy

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:15:00 EDT

Federal investigators probing the hantavirus outbreak blamed for three deaths at Yosemite National Park recommended on Monday that design changes to tent cabins and other privately run lodging first be reviewed by National...

Sports seem OK for many with heart-zapping device

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:54:00 EDT

New research is challenging medical guidelines that say people with a heart-zapping device in their chests should avoid intense sports like basketball and soccer in favor of golf or bowling.

Measles surges in UK years after flawed research

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:44:00 EDT

More than a decade ago, British parents refused to give measles shots to at least a million children because of now discredited research that linked the vaccine to autism. Now, health officials are scrambling to catch up and...

Flesh-eating disease victim gets prosthetic hands

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:23:00 EDT

A metro Atlanta woman who lost both hands, her left leg and right foot after contracting a flesh-eating disease was on her way back from Ohio Friday after being fitted with prosthetic hands.

Rising consumer demands aids organic industry sway

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:41:00 EDT

The organic food industry is gaining influence on Capitol Hill, prompted by its entry into traditional farm states and by increasing consumer demand.

WHO says single yellow fever shot is enough

Fri, 17 May 2013 05:11:00 EDT

The World Health Organization says a yellow fever booster vaccination given 10 years after the initial shot isn't necessary.

Correction: New Virus story

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:06:00 EDT

In a story May 15 about a new SARS-like virus spreading from patients to health care workers in Saudi Arabia, The Associated Press reported erroneously the location of the 20 deaths attributed to the virus. There have been...

Tiny preemies get a boost from live music therapy

Thu, 16 May 2013 03:21:00 EDT

As the guitarist strums and softly sings a lullaby in Spanish, tiny Augustin Morales stops squirming in his hospital crib and closes his eyes.

Details of Jolie's breast treatment revealed

Wed, 15 May 2013 20:40:00 EDT

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer Angelina Jolie's mother had breast cancer and died of ovarian cancer, and her maternal grandmother also had ovarian cancer - strong evidence of an...

Shrinks, critics face off over psychiatric manual

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:40:00 EDT

In the new psychiatric manual of mental disorders, grief soon after a loved one's death can be considered major depression. Extreme childhood temper tantrums get a fancy name. And certain "senior moments" are called...

Stem cells recovered from cloned human embryos

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:40:00 EDT

Scientists have finally recovered stem cells from cloned human embryos, a longstanding goal that could lead to new treatments for such illnesses as Parkinson's disease and diabetes.

St. Louis doctor with cerebral palsy offers hope

Wed, 15 May 2013 05:00:00 EDT

Dr. Jan Brunstrom-Hernandez gently but sternly admonishes a teenage cerebral palsy patient who clearly hasn't been doing his exercises, stressing the importance of keeping muscles loose and limber.

Study questions if bed rest prevents prematurity

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:50:00 EDT

New research is raising fresh concern that an age-old treatment for troubled pregnancies - bed rest - doesn't seem to prevent premature birth, and might even worsen that risk.

Jolie admired for bravery in mastectomy revelation

Tue, 14 May 2013 17:49:00 EDT

"I hope that other women can benefit from my experience," Angelina Jolie wrote in a powerful op-ed article Tuesday, explaining her decision to go public with having her breasts removed to avoid cancer.

Study questions how sharply US should cut the salt

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:19:00 EDT

A surprising new report questions public health efforts to get Americans to sharply cut back on salt, saying it's not clear whether eating super-low levels is worth the struggle.

Idaho spud giant bets on biotech potatoes

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:29:00 EDT

A dozen years after a customer revolt forced Monsanto to ditch its genetically engineered potato, an Idaho company aims to resurrect high-tech spuds.

EU court finds Swiss assisted-suicide laws vague

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:49:00 EDT

An elderly Swiss woman who would rather end her life now than decline further in health found sympathy Tuesday from the European Court of Human Rights, which called on the Swiss to clarify their laws on so-called passive...

Women have more options for breast cancer surgery

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:39:00 EDT

One of the world's most glamorous women had an operation that once was terribly disfiguring - removal of both breasts. But new approaches are dramatically changing breast surgeries, whether to treat cancer or to prevent...

Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy: Q&A

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:19:00 EDT

By MARIA CHENG AP Medical Writer Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie disclosed Tuesday that she had a preventive mastectomy after learning she had a gene mutation that significantly raised her risk of...

Turkish womb transplant patient loses baby

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:49:00 EDT

A hospital says a Turkish woman who was the first to get pregnant with a transplanted donor womb has had her pregnancy terminated.

Women have new options for breast cancer surgery

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:29:00 EDT

Treating breast cancer almost always involves surgery, and for years the choice was just having the lump or the whole breast removed. Now, new approaches are dramatically changing the way these operations are done, giving...

India announces low-cost rotavirus vaccine

Tue, 14 May 2013 09:29:00 EDT

The Indian government announced Tuesday the development of a new low-cost vaccine proven effective against a diarrhea-causing virus that is one of the leading causes of childhood deaths across the developing world.

Popular psychologist Joyce Brothers dead at 85

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:38:00 EDT

By ULA ILNYTZKY Associated Press Joyce Brothers, the pop psychologist who pioneered the television advice show in the 1950s and enjoyed a long and prolific career as a syndicated columnist, author, and...

Hospitals could lose $500M in federal funds

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:28:00 EDT

Hospitals nationwide could lose half a billion dollars in federal funding meant to offset the cost of covering the uninsured next year. The loss that will be especially felt in states where lawmakers have decided against...

US government files morning-after pill appeal

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:28:00 EDT

The Obama administration on Monday filed a last-minute appeal to delay the sale of the morning-after contraceptive pill to girls of any age without a prescription.

Study questions if bed rest prevents prematurity

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:28:00 EDT

New research is raising fresh concern that an age-old treatment for troubled pregnancies - bed rest - doesn't seem to prevent premature birth, and might even worsen that risk.

Deaths from West Nile virus hit record last year

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:28:00 EDT

U.S. health officials say last year was the worst ever for West Nile virus deaths.

Monday last day for morning-after pill appeal

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:38:00 EDT

The government is running out of time to try to halt implementation of a federal judge's ruling that would lift age restrictions for women and girls wanting to buy the morning-after pill.

UN: Eat more insects; good for you, good for world

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:18:00 EDT

The latest weapon in the U.N.'s fight against hunger, global warming and pollution might be flying by you right now.

2 new viruses could both spark global outbreaks

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:58:00 EDT

Two respiratory viruses in different parts of the world have captured the attention of global health officials - a novel coronavirus in the Middle East and a new bird flu spreading in China.

France confirms 2nd case of SARS-related virus

Sun, 12 May 2013 14:17:00 EDT

France has confirmed a second case of a deadly new respiratory virus related to SARS, authorities said Sunday, as they increased efforts to inform the public about how to avoid the illness and watch for its signs.

New suspicious French case of SARS-related virus

Sat, 11 May 2013 07:56:00 EDT

France's health minister says tests on three suspected cases of a deadly new respiratory virus related to SARS are negative - but a fourth needs complementary tests and a fifth suspected case has been discovered.

Govt stops study seeking to prevent type of stroke

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:05:00 EDT

The government has halted a study testing treatments for a brain condition that can cause strokes after early results suggested invasive therapies were riskier than previously thought.

Utah to be first to use dual-model health exchange

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:55:00 EDT

The federal government has approved Utah to become the first state to have a dual-model health insurance exchange in which the state and the federal government divide responsibilities.

Obama declared health care law 'is here to stay'

Fri, 10 May 2013 17:25:00 EDT

Caught between nervous Democrats and emboldened Republicans, President Barack Obama on Friday stepped up the sales pitch on his health care overhaul as the final elements of his top domestic achievement go into effect. With...

Judge in NYC refuses to suspend his Plan B ruling

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:15:00 EDT

A judge on Friday refused to delay enforcement of his decision giving women of all ages broad access to morning-after birth control, calling the government's appeal frivolous, a "silly argument" and an insult to the...

3 suspected cases of SARS-related virus in France

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:15:00 EDT

French health officials said Friday they are investigating three suspected cases of a deadly new respiratory virus related to SARS, in people who had close contact in the hospital with France's only confirmed case.

Study: Fish oil doesn't help prevent heart attacks

Thu, 9 May 2013 21:04:00 EDT

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer Eating fish is good for your heart but taking fish oil capsules does not help people at high risk of heart problems who are already taking medicines to prevent...

AP Exclusive: Calif. exchange granted secrecy

Thu, 9 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

A California law that created an agency to oversee national health care reforms granted it broad authority to conceal spending on the contractors that will perform most of its functions, potentially shielding the public from...

IMS: US medicine spending shows rare dip in 2012

Thu, 9 May 2013 11:54:00 EDT

Spending on prescription medicines in the U.S. fell for the first time in decades last year, slipping as cash-strapped consumers continued to cut back on use of health care services.

Drugmakers, health groups bring poor girls vaccine

Thu, 9 May 2013 07:44:00 EDT

Two multinational drugmakers are teaming up with top global health groups to protect millions of girls in the world's poorest countries from deadly cervical cancer.

Wrigley takes new caffeinated gum off market

Thu, 9 May 2013 03:04:00 EDT

A Food and Drug Administration investigation into the safety of caffeine-added foods has prompted Wrigley to take its new caffeinated gum off the market for the time being.

PennDOT: Tanker fire repairs will take months

Dan Carrigan — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:49:00 EDT

The road to repair the damage left by a May 9 tanker fire along Interstate 81 near Harrisburg will be a long one.

Dog found injured in Manheim Township

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:50:00 EDT

Police in Lancaster County are investigating a possible case of animal cruelty after a dog was found injured in Manheim Township.

Ex-school board member ordered to trial in child rape case

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:01:00 EDT

A former member of the Lower Dauphin Board of School Directors has been ordered to trial on child sexual abuse charges.

Pa. couple face charges in stabbings over 'Idol'

Thu, 23 May 2013 06:43:00 EDT

A couple face charges after police in York County say they stabbed each other during an argument over which contestant should win 'American Idol.'

P. Diddy in Harrisburg to meet with PLCB

Sari Heidenreich — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:57:00 EDT

Sean Combs, more commonly known as P. Diddy, was in Harrisburg today.

4-vehicle accident slows traffic in Harrisburg

Katie Mae Bassler — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:19:00 EDT

Police say there were no major injuries in a four-vehicle crash that shut down part of Cameron Street in Harrisburg on Wednesday night.

Open Records chief flunks Pa. charter schools

Dennis Owens — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:13:00 EDT

The head of Pennsylvania's Office of Open Records gives charter schools failing grades when the subject is compliance with the Right-To-Know Law.

Beware of new computer virus/scam

James Crummel — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:15:00 EDT

Computer users beware! A new virus is infecting systems and your wallet. The virus blocks your computer and asks for your money to restore it. It's called ransomware.

2 accused of raping teen at Ephrata motel

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:27:00 EDT

Ephrata police said they charged two men with the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in a borough motel.

Officials urge veterans to beware of scams

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT

State and county officials are warning Pennsylvania's veterans of scam artists who may try to target their benefits and charge for services that are provided for free.

Boy Scouts approve plan to accept openly gay boys

Thu, 23 May 2013 19:17:00 EDT

The Boy Scouts of America threw open its ranks Thursday to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and...

Police: woman who reported Lancaster abduction lied

Sari Heidenreich — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:20:00 EDT

Lancaster City Police say the woman who reported she was abducted in Lancaster on Tuesday morning lied.

17-year cicadas return to Central Pennsylvania

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:02:00 EDT

The 17-year cicadas are back.

York Co. residents hold prayer vigil to protest proposed strip club

Sari Heidenreich — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:54:00 EDT

Chanceford Township residents held a prayer vigil Thursday evening to propose the opening of strip club in the township.The township zoning board will meet tonight to take a final vote on the proposed

Pa. needs gift ban for elected officials, watchdogs say

Dennis Owens — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:24:00 EDT

A trip to France and turkish robes for Governor Corbett. Four ski passes for Representative Pete Daley (D-Allegheny). A yacht club membership for Representative Flo Fabrizio (D-Erie). Just three small

Battle of Gettysburg stamps go on sale

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:20:00 EDT

The U.S. Postal Service has begun selling Forever Stamps commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Wheelchair stolen from Lancaster man

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:47:00 EDT

Police are looking for the thief who stole a wheelchair from a 38-year-old Lancaster man.

Pa. hearing to focus on political groups

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:40:00 EDT

A group that aired TV ads critical of Gov. Tom Corbett is the impetus for a planned hearing before the House State Government Committee.

Couple jailed in stabbing over 'American Idol'

Myles Snyder — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:20:00 EDT

A York County couple was arrested on assault charges after police said they stabbed each other during a night of heavy drinking and a heated argument over who should win 'American Idol.'