Initial trickle of swine flu vaccine will be 3.4 million doses of nasal spray, CDC saysCDC: First swine flu vaccines will be nasal spray ATLANTA — Health officials say the first doses of swine flu vaccine will be the nasal spray version. California distributor recalls bunched spinach after routine tests detect salmonellaCalif. firm recalls spinach after salmonella found SALINAS, Calif. — A California distributor is recalling two brands of bunched spinach after routine testing detected salmonella. Syneron Medical rises as analyst expects recovery for laser cosmetic market and raises ratingSyneron advances following upgrade to ‘Outperform’ NEW YORK — Shares of Syneron Medical Ltd. rose Friday after an Oppenheimer analyst upgraded the stock, saying he believes the market for laser cosmetic surgery procedures has hit a low point and will start to recover. Drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis buys Merck’s half of Merial; step needed for Merck to buy ScheringSanofi buys Merck’s half of animal health business TRENTON, N.J. — French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis SA has completed its $4 billion purchase of Merck & Co.’s half interest in their veterinary medicine business, Merial Ltd., the companies said Friday. Cancer society cuts fundraising ties with upstate NY tribe over purchase of cigarette factoryCancer society cuts Oneida ties over cigarettes SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The American Cancer Society says it’s severing ties with the Oneida Indian Nation, jeopardizing the organization’s annual Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser at the tribe’s Turning Stone Resort and Casino. Former VP Cheney undergoes elective back surgery, office says it ‘went well’Cheney undergoes elective back surgery WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney underwent elective back surgery Thursday, a procedure his office said “went well.” Father fatally stabbed 2 children before overdosing on drugs, authorities sayCapt.: Dad kills 2 kids, kills himself with drugs THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Ventura County officials say a father died of a drug overdose after stabbing his two children to death at his apartment. Botulism blamed for tens of thousands of dead birds found along shore of Great Salt LakeBotulism blamed for dead birds at Great Salt Lake SALT LAKE CITY — Tens of thousands of dead birds are showing up along the shore of the Great Salt Lake. Mexican officials says millions of swine flu cases possible, deaths could reach 2,000Mexico says millions of swine flu cases possible MEXICO CITY — Mexico could see up to 5 million cases of swine flu during this winter’s flu season, a higher projection than officials had previously given, the health secretary said Thursday. An oddity for illness, but welcome news for seniors: Swine flu largely targets youngSeniors largely spared of swine flu MIAMI — Seniors who for years have made flu shots a fall ritual are being sent to the end of the line for the swine flu vaccine. And the reason — their age group seems to have a bit of immunity — appears to have warded off most potential grumbling. Doctors diagnose coughing problem, pull fragment of Wendy’s plastic utensil from NC man’s lungNC doctor removes plastic fragment lodged in lung RALEIGH, N.C. — Doctors say a North Carolina man who was plagued with coughing fits should be OK now that they have removed a 1-inch piece of plastic from his lung, where it had rested since he apparently inhaled it nearly two years ago while sucking down a soft drink at a Wendy’s restaurant. Obama: US will share 10 percent of swine flu vaccines with other nationsUS to share 10 percent swine flu vaccine globally WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says the United States will share 10 percent of its swine flu vaccine supply with other nations. Pelosi says angry rhetoric over health care echoes 1970s San Francisco, could incite violencePelosi worried about angry health care rhetoric WASHINGTON — House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says she worries that angry rhetoric over President Barack Obama’s effort to remake the nation’s health care system could incite violence. CDC: Rhode Island has highest HPV vaccination rate, Mississippi the lowestCDC: 1 in 3 teen girls got cervical cancer vaccine ATLANTA — One in three teenage girls have rolled up their sleeves for a vaccine against cervical cancer, but vaccination rates vary dramatically between states, according to a federal report released Thursday. GlaxoSmithKline, Xenoport report positive midstage study results from potential pain drugGlaxo, Xenoport report positive pain drug study NEW YORK — GlaxoSmithKline and Xenoport Inc. said Thursday their developing neuropathic pain treatment candidate met its key goal of lowering pain intensity in a midstage study. White House offers $25M in grants to explore alternatives to costly medical malpractice suitsWhite House seeks ways to curb malpractice suits WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is announcing $25 million in grants to states and health care systems to launch a national experiment on alternatives to medical malpractice lawsuits. Former VP Cheney having elective back surgery at hospital in WashingtonCheney hospitalized for elective back surgery WASHINGTON — Former Vice President Dick Cheney underwent elective back surgery Thursday, a procedure his office said “went well.” Drugmaker Merck, British research charity to develop vaccines for diseases in poor countriesMerck, British charity to jointly develop vaccines TRENTON, N.J. — Drugmaker Merck & Co. and Britain’s largest charity, the Wellcome Trust, said Thursday they are starting a not-for-profit partnership to create affordable vaccines against diseases common in poor countries. Despite learning his identity, Seattle amnesia patient still doesn’t know who he isIdentified amnesia patient doesn’t know who he is SEATTLE — It was seven weeks ago that Edward Lighthart walked out of a Seattle park with no idea of who he was and how he got there, the apparent victim of a bizarre case of amnesia. Police await DNA findings in Yale student slaying; medical examiner says she was suffocatedMedical examiner says Yale student was suffocated CROMWELL, Conn. — Police were awaiting the results of DNA tests on evidence taken from a Yale University animal research technician before determining whether to charge him with killing a graduate student who worked in the same lab. Government study says as many as 8 million Americans seriously consider suicide annuallyStudy: 8 million Americans consider suicide WASHINGTON — More than 8 million Americans seriously consider suicide each year, according to a new government study. Mary Travers of folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary dead after battle with cancer at 63Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary dead at 63 DANBURY, Conn. — Mary Travers, one-third of the hugely popular 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, has died. Calif. man accused of trying to trade his father’s car for $50 worth of crackMan accused of trading dad’s car for $50 in crack FRESNO, Calif. — Authorities arrested a man they said tried to trade his father’s car for $50 worth of crack cocaine. Deputies arrested the 39-year-old man around 4 a.m. Wednesday after his 74-year-old father reported that his Lincoln had been stolen. When deputies arrived at the father’s home, they saw the son walking up the street. They determined that the car had been sold for drugs. Audit: Wisc. database missing DNA profiles of 12K felons; wrong DNA given for suspected killerAudit: Wisc. database missing DNA of 12K felons MILWAUKEE — Mandatory DNA profiles of at least 12,000 Wisconsin felons are missing from a statewide database, according to an audit released Wednesday. The audit was conducted after officials discovered no DNA was on file for a convicted felon now suspected in a string of Milwaukee killings. Ill. teacher accused of giving teens pot, alcohol, prescription drugs for work around her homeIll. teacher accused of giving girls alcohol, pot FOX LAKE, Ill. — A northern Illinois teacher faces felony charges after allegedly giving two teenage girls marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs in exchange for work around her home. Kym Krocza was arrested Tuesday on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is free on bond. Egyptian twins, once joined at the head, return to Dallas for checkups 6 years after surgeryOnce-conjoined twins return to Dallas for checkups DALLAS — Egyptian twins once joined at the head returned to Texas this week for checkups, and were treated to a pizza party Wednesday with the doctor who brought them to the United States to be separated. Swine flu returns, small businesses deal again with absences, worker concerns about illnessSmall businesses deal again with swine flu issues NEW YORK — Small business owners who weathered the first wave of swine flu last spring are dealing with the illness all over again, including issues like employee absences and staffers who are afraid of getting sick. State Department investigating death of US employee hired to help train Afghan national policeDrugs suspected in death of Afghanistan contractor WASHINGTON — A U.S. contractor in Afghanistan helping train the national police was found dead last week of a possible drug overdose, just months after his company was reprimanded by the State Department for another worker’s drug-related death. Children’s National Medical Center gets $150M from Abu Dhabi for pediatric surgery innovationAbu Dhabi gives $150M to DC children’s hospital WASHINGTON — The government of Abu Dhabi is giving $150 million to Children’s National Medical Center in Washington. Lab tech released from custody after police get DNA, other evidence in slaying of Yale studentLab tech released from custody in Yale slaying NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Police released a Yale University animal research technician on Wednesday after collecting DNA samples and questioning him in the killing of a graduate student who worked in the same lab. Police seek DNA, other evidence from research assistant in slaying of Yale graduate studentTechnician in custody in Yale grad student slaying MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — Police have left the apartment of a Yale University animal research technician after searching the scene for hours overnight looking for evidence in the killing of a graduate student who worked in the same lab. Police investigating Yale slaying raid lab technician’s home, collect DNA and other evidenceTechnician in custody in Yale grad student slaying NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Police and FBI agents searched the home of a Yale University animal research technician Tuesday night and led him away in handcuffs to the cheers of neighbors in a hunt for evidence that might tie him to the slaying of a graduate student. House votes to admonish Rep. Joe Wilson over his ‘You lie’ outburst during Obama’s speechHouse admonishes Wilson for his ‘You lie’ outburst WASHINGTON — The House has voted to admonish Rep. Joe Wilson over his “You lie” outburst to President Barack Obama during the president’s health care speech to Congress last week. DA: Robbers beguiled way into NY home by saying they had pamphlets on Obama health care planDA: Robbers used health care ruse to raid NY home RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Prosecutors say a man wearing a stethoscope and a woman holding a clipboard forced their way into a New York home under the guise of distributing pamphlets on President Barack Obama’s health care plan and shot the residents before stealing $4,000. FDA approves swine flu vaccine, vaccinations expected to start next monthFDA approves new swine flu vaccine WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration approved the new swine flu vaccine Tuesday, a long-anticipated step as the government works to start mass vaccinations next month. Limited supplies should start trickling out the first week of October — about a week earlier than expected, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told Congress. Then about 45 million doses should arrive around Oct. 15, followed by more shipments each week. Obama adds Letterman to aggressive media schedule for health planLetterman appearance latest for Obama media blitz NEW YORK — President Barack Obama is visiting David Letterman on Monday, part of a media blitz to sell his health care plan. FDA cites Bayer for unapproved quality control measures at German drug factoryFDA warns Bayer over German manufacturing plant WASHINGTON — U.S. health regulators have warned drugmaker Bayer over quality control issues at a plant that makes the key ingredient in Yaz and other popular birth control drugs. US arrests American Airlines workers on suspicion of drug smuggling at Puerto Rico airportUS targets smugglers at Puerto Rico airport SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Several employees of American Airlines were among a group of at least 20 people arrested Tuesday on suspicion of aiding a smuggling ring that shipped drugs from Puerto Rico’s main airport to the U.S. mainland. California community mourns loss of driven Yale graduate student who excelled in high schoolCalif. community mourns loss of Yale grad student PLACERVILLE, Calif. — When those who knew her talk about Annie Le, they do so in superlatives — best student they ever had, most dedicated volunteer, smartest teenager they’ve ever known. NJ pharmaceuticals firm Biovail to pay nearly $25M after guilty plea in doctor kickbacks caseNJ drug firm to pay nearly $25M in kickbacks case BOSTON — A New Jersey pharmaceuticals firm will pay nearly $25 million in criminal and civil fines after pleading guilty to federal charges that it made illegal payments to encourage doctors to prescribe a blood pressure drug. NxStage Medical signs 3-year deal to supply Reliant Renal Care with dialysis productsNxStage Medical signs 3-year supply deal LAWRENCE, Mass. — Medical device maker NxStage Medical Inc. said Monday its Medisystems subsidiary signed a three-year agreement to supply its Streamline airless blood tubing sets and MasterGuard safety needles to Reliant Renal Care. Coughing may be a better sign than fever of when people can spread swine flu, studies suggestStudies: Swine flu spreads long after fever stops SAN FRANCISCO — When the coughing stops is probably a better sign of when a swine flu patient is no longer contagious, experts said after seeing new research that suggests the virus can still spread many days after a fever goes away. Jody Powell dies, was White House press secretary during Jimmy Carter’s presidencyFormer Carter press secretary Jody Powell dies WASHINGTON — Jody Powell, who was White House press secretary and among the closest and most trusted advisers to President Jimmy Carter, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 65. Phildelphia police say a man lost his stepson at 4:30 a.m. while on alleged drug buyCops: Man loses stepson while trying to buy drugs PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia police said a man out buying drugs flagged down officers after he couldn’t find the car he’d parked with his 6-year-old stepson inside. The man, 31, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person. People might spread swine flu for a week or longer after symptoms start, studies suggestSwine flu spreads week or more after symptoms SAN FRANCISCO — New studies show that many people spread swine flu for a week or more after symptoms first appear, and doctors say coughing may be a better sign than fever for telling who is contagious. It’s never too late to exercise, says study showing survival benefits for those in their 80sExercise can extend survival even in ‘oldest old’ CHICAGO — Even in the “oldest old,” a little physical activity goes a long way, extending life by at least a few years for people in their mid- to late 80s, Israeli researchers found. Ariad Pharmaceuticals to continue enrollment in cancer study following independent assessmentAriad to continue enrollment in cancer study NEW YORK — Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday independent experts recommended continuing a late-stage study of the company’s developing cancer treatment ridaforolimus. Shower danger? People with weak immune systems may be vulnerable to bacteria from showerheadsShowerheads may harbor bacteria dangerous to some WASHINGTON — In what may be the scariest shower news since Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” a study says showerheads can harbor tiny bacteria that come spraying into your face when you wash. Federal officials issue guidelines to help small businesses weather swine fluFeds urge small businesses to prepare for H1N1 WASHINGTON — Federal officials say small business owners should be prepared to operate with fewer employees this fall as swine flu spreads across the country. HEALTHBEAT: Flu season starts early with new swine strain _ what your family needs to knowEarly flu season _ what you need to know WASHINGTON — Flu season’s in full swing two months early this year — and nearly all the cases are the new swine flu strain that so far is targeting mostly children and younger adults. Health care issues: US costs vs. other countriesHealth care issues: US costs vs. other countries A look at key issues in the health care debate. Novel flu drug proves effective; Tamiflu saves lives, not just shortens illness, studies showStudy: New drug fights flu as well as Tamiflu does SAN FRANCISCO — A new flu medicine may be on the way. Researchers say the experimental drug peramivir (purr-AM-uh-veer) works as well as Tamiflu for clearing up flu symptoms. Critical need: More primary care doctors for projected surge of 50 million uninsured patients50 million new patients? More primary docs a must BOSTON — President Barack Obama’s plan to revamp the nation’s health care system is facing a big hurdle with the shortage of primary care physicians. Layoffs, buyouts by US businesses means fewer workers are donating blood at corporate drivesLayoffs lead to fewer corporate blood donors in US JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Before the recession hit, Jacksonville’s blood bank would pull its buses up to the Anheuser-Busch brewery and pump 300 units of blood from employees. Feinstein looking for ways to cut health care costs, wants insurance companies to change waysFeinstein exploring how to lower health costs WASHINGTON — Sen. Dianne Feinstein says there’s “more than one way to skin that cat” when it comes to lowering health care costs. Health secretary says swine flu shots could be available first week of OctoberSebelius: Swine flu shots may start early October WASHINGTON — The nation’s first round of swine flu shots could begin sooner than expected, with some vaccine available as early as the first week of October, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Sunday. Spanish eatery claims to be world’s first with menu of measures to fight swine fluSpain eatery has plan to beat swine flu ALCOBENDAS, Spain — A pocket of Spanish suburbia hardly seems the spot for a new swine flu battlefront, but an eatery in a shopping mall outside Madrid claims to be the world’s first restaurant with a specific plan to protect against the disease. Obama asks supporters to knock on doors, talk to neighbors, make calls to help health overhaulObama says US closer than ever to health reform MINNEAPOLIS — President Barack Obama is urging people to find common ground on health care for everyone in the U.S. Obama tries to boost momentum on health care, will not accept ‘the status quo as a solution”Obama says status quo no solution on health care MINNEAPOLIS — President Barack Obama assailed critics of his health care initiative Saturday, seeking to grab the megaphone from his opponents and boost momentum in his drive to get Congress to approve his chief domestic priority. A day at the beach? Shower afterward. Sand, water can hold dangerous staph germs, study findsDangerous staph germs found at West Coast beaches SAN FRANCISCO — Dangerous staph bacteria have been found in sand and water for the first time at five public beaches along the coast of Washington, and scientists think the state is not the only one with this problem. |
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