Mumps cases near 6,000, prompting new U.S. advice on shots

The U.S. CDC counts nearly 6,000 mumps cases this year, 84 percent of them in six midwestern states, leading an advisory group to update MMR vaccination recommendations. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended targeting people “without adequate evidence of immunity.” Reuters

Physical fitness pyramid to join food pyramid in 2008

The Bush administration says it plans to develop a physical fitness pyramid to accompany the food pyramid. Guidelines, expected in late 2008, will be designed according to the best science on physical activity, with the goal of helping people live healthier lifestyles and cutting health costs. The Washington Post/Associated Press

Study: Moderate activity can prevent colds in older women

Long-term, moderate physical activity can accomplish more than getting people into shape — it can help prevent colds, at least among older women, according to a new study. Researchers found that post-menopausal women who worked out regularly were about half as likely to develop colds as those who did not exercise. Reuters

Smoking rate in U.S. hits plateau after years of decline

The rate of smoking in the U.S., on the decline for eight years, appears to have hit a plateau, with the percentage of smokers holding steady at 20.9 percent, according to federal officials. Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death, with smoking-related illnesses responsible for more than 400,000 U.S. deaths each year. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)/The Washington Post

Study: Obesity drug useful in two ways for diabetics

An international team of researchers today announced a study of the Sanofi-Aventis drug Acomplia for controlling obesity has shown to be useful in treating diabetes. They said the drug helps control the sugar levels of patients with Type 2 diabetes, while reducing some of the patients’ risks of developing heart disease. Reuters

Group health sessions offer supportive care

Seattle’s Group Health has been conducting a pilot program in which complementary health care is offered on a group basis. In the program, men and women with similar health interests take part in voluntary group sessions led by physicians, and patients say they benefit from the sessions by learning from each other, becoming better acquainted with their physician and having fun. Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Experts say drugs good long after expiration dates

Medical experts generally agree prescription drugs can safely be used after the expiration dates on their packages. One report published in 2002 suggested the expiration dates are very conservative, while a 2003 report says drugs stored properly can keep 90 percent of their potency for at least five years after their expiration dates. Chicago Tribune/Cox News Service

Study: More weight loss seen with water consumption

Water appears to play an important role in weight loss, and people who drink a couple of more cups of water a day can increase weight loss by two pounds per year, according to a new study. Researchers also found that dieters who replace sugary drinks with water can lose an extra 5 pounds a year. USA TODAY