Dietary Supplementation Of An Algae Extract Improves Good Cholesterol Levels

A dietary supplementation of an algae extract can help boost high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. 

In a study funded by Health Enhancement Products of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Smiti Gupta, Ph.D., assistant

Can Medicare Help You Quit Smoking?

Free counseling sessions are available for those trying to kick the habit

In the past, Medicare has covered antismoking counseling only for those who have already developed health problems from tobacco use. These sessions require a 20 percent copayment and are subject to the annual Part B deductible.

Intake of Seafood Halves Risk of Heart Attack

Including seafood once a week in your diet may reduce the heart attack risk by 50 percent, reveals a study. 

Prawns, crabs, squid and octopus are just as packed with vitamins, minerals and fish oils as fish like salmon or cod, the Daily Mail reported. 

Aerosol Structures Captured by X-Ray Vision

Most exhaustive images to date of airborne soot particles, a key contributor to global warming and a health risk has been captured by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. 

The discovery reveals the particles' surprisingly complex nanostructures and could ultimately aid the understanding of atmospheric processes important to climate change, as well as the design of cleaner combustion sources, from car engines to power plants. 

Virus Hitches Ride On Blood Cells To Kill Cancer

Scientists have discovered when a cancer-killing virus is injected in the bloodstream it hitches a ride on blood cells and evades attack from the immune system, allowing it to reach cancer tumors, and start destroying cancer cells. They suggest this means it may be possible to use promising "viral therapy" during routine outpatient sessions, like chemotherapy, to treat a wide range ofcancers.

Certain viruses, like the reovirus, that causes colds and mild stomach upsets, prefer to attack cancer cells. They also stimulate the immune system to attack tumors.

Advises on Skin Cancer Safety In Summer Sun

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause freckles and wrinkles, of course, but in more serious cases, sun exposure can lead to skin cancer.

Skin cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States, making it the most common type of cancer. Most skin cancers are non-melanomas, which include basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Non-melanomas often occur on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, neck, and ears. These cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body. In contrast, melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer that can spread to other body parts in its more advanced stages. It develops in melanocytes—cells that produce the melanin, or pigment, of the skin. While melanoma is much less common than non-melanoma types of skin cancers, it accounts for most skin cancer deaths.

“Overexposure to sunlight is a major preventable risk factor for all types of skin cancer,”
“There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the outdoors, but it is important to exercise common sense when it comes to sun exposure and your health.”

Having regular skin screenings by your primary care doctor or dermatologist is also recommended as early detection of cancer leads to better treatment outcomes.
During Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month this May, it is a good time to remember these important tips for protecting your skin from the sun:

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (and remember to reapply after swimming or perspiring).
• Limit sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; find some shade if you are out in the middle of the day.
• Wear sunglasses with 99-100 percent UV absorption to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help protect your face, ears, and neck. If you’re wearing a baseball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and neck.
• Wear protective clothing. Clothes made of tightly woven fabrics work well. Do a check by holding a garment up to the light. If you can’t see through the fabric, it’s a good choice.
• Avoid other sources of UV light, such as tanning beds and sun lamps.

Costs associated with hospital stays 'cause stress'

One in three people feel stressed about the extra costs incurred by hospital stays, a survey has found.

Cash plan provider Medicash polled 400 Britons, all of whom had recently been in hospital or attended as an outpatient on a regular basis.

The average patient said they had lost out to the tune of £50, with this money typically going towards hospital car parking charges, TV cards, food, travel expenses and medication.

In addition, those who were employed at the time of their hospitalisation lost £190, on average, during their hospital stay.

The survey also revealed that half of patients who felt stressed about the extra costs while in hospital were concerned that this could hinder their recovery.

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash, said: 'The survey demonstrates that the true cost of being ill is far higher than people realise and people are being affected by stress which can severely impact on their recovery.

'When you add up the costs of parking charges, TV cards, food and travel, the financial burden for many people is considerable and people who haven't been able to budget in advance can be hit hard.'