Researcher links low income to poor health (audio)

NPR reporter Scott Simon talks to Sir Michael Marmot, a professor of epidemiology at University College London who has found links between low income and poor health. He says a key part of it is chronic stress, which increases as the ladder of wages decreases. NPR

What women build

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity International Program that encourages women and girls to have fun and make a difference by building homes and communities. Nearly 800 Habitat houses have been built by women crews around the world. Each year 150 or more homes are added as affiliate’s donors, and sponsors discover the impact of women volunteers and their resources. On a Women Build site, women are encouraged by others to tackle all aspects of construction and quickly become skilled and engaged volunteers. Learn more about this at the official website.

Life expectancy in United States continues to rise

The U.S. life expectancy rate is at an all-time high, with people born in 2005 estimated to live 77.9 years, according to a new federal study. Researchers attribute the increase to declining death rates from cancer, stroke and heart disease. CDC

Lung cancer guidelines released by the American College of Chest Physicians

The American College of Chest Physicians released 260 recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The report says screening for lung cancer with CT imaging or sputum tests does not reduce the number of deaths and could put patients at risk for other complications.

Study: Cancer patients also suffer from mental health issues

About 50 percent of patients with advanced or terminal cancer also suffer from depression or adjustment or anxiety disorders, a new study found. Researchers called on physicians to screen these patients for mental health problems and make appropriate referrals for support and treatment groups. HealthDay News/Yahoo!