Some antibacterial products may worsen drug resistant infections

Household cleaners with antibacterial agents could worsen the problem of children becoming sick with drug-resistant bacteria. Some products contain triclosan, which inhibits bacteria growth but also leaves a large portion of resistant bacteria behind, according to recent studies. Health experts recommend washing hands with regular soap, covering scrapes, and refraining from sharing personal items to avoid infection. Click here to read the New York Times report.

New screening guidelines to diagnose ovarian cancer

A new screening test will help detect early cases of ovarian cancer. Doctors have agreed on a set of symptoms, many of which mimic the symptoms of common digestive disorders. Click here to learn more.

Report: 2.4 million in United States have Alzheimer’s

A study found that 2.4 million Americans over the age of 71 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, and 1 million more have another form of dementia. The researchers examined patients from 42 states, using a nationally representative sample of elderly people. The findings present lower estimates than do previous studies. Click here to learn more.

Walkstation solution for sedentary employees in Canada

Steelcase Inc. has developed a mobile cubicle that will allow employees to walk on a low-speed treadmill while they work. The mobile cubicle, dubbed Walkstation, may help employees improve their health, as well as allow companies to reduce healthcare costs and lost productivity from sick days, experts say. Click here to learn more.

Diabetics tracking blood sugar and avoiding heart disease

According to the CDC, U.S. diabetics are avoiding heart disease and keeping track of their daily blood sugar levels. The research found that self-reported cardiovascular disease among diabetic adults ages 35 to 64 decreased 14 percent, and cardiovascular disease among black adults decreased more than 25 percent between 1997 and 2005. Researchers attribute the drop to declining rates of high blood pressure, smoking and cholesterol, and the greater use of preventive treatments. Click here to learn more.

Microchip aims to reduce “wrong site” surgery errors

Six healthcare centers across the United States have started using the CheckSite System, which uses a wristband with a microchip and two sensors near operating room doors, to prevent surgical errors. The chip sounds an alarm if the operating team does not mark the proper spot to operate on a patient or fails to place a sticker on the wristband to deactivate the microchip. Click here to learn more.