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• Patients in Pueblo receive free surgeries

  October 1, 2011 12:38 PM

  Uninsured Pueblo residents are receiving a $4,000 to $7,000 gift today as the Pueblo Surgery Center, Health4Haiti, the International Surgical Missions and Colorado Technical University work together to perform free surgeries as part of the annual Surgical Day of Giving event. The procedures range from hernia repairs to cyst... more »

• Colorado scores a B in kids dental health study

  May 25, 2011 11:50 AM

  A state-by-state report card on childhood oral health give Colorado a B grade saying that the state can do more to prevent tooth decay among kids. The report titled "Making Coverage Matter" was conducted by the Pew Center on the States and found that Colorado only reached five out of... more »

• Local mom shares heartbreak to reach others in need

  April 27, 2011 7:15 PM

  Halfway through Xochi Quetzal Cantu's pregnancy, doctors told her something was very wrong. There wasn't enough amniotic fluid in her womb. Her baby had Potters Syndrome meaning his kidneys weren't developing. Still, she could feel the baby kick and her doctors visits continued with their usual regularity. The gravity... more »

• Meningitis suspected in death of CSU student

  October 20, 2010 3:41 PM

  A student at Colorado State University has died of suspected bacterial meningitis and a second student may have also contracted the disease. CSU said that student Christina Adame died at 2 a.m. Wednesday, three hours after arriving at the hospital. Adame lived off campus. The second student who... more »

• Alarms over radiation from thyroid cancer patients

  October 20, 2010 8:24 AM

  Congressional investigators say cancer patients sent home after treatment with radioactive iodine have contaminated hotel rooms and set off alarms on public transportation. Patients have come into close contact with vulnerable people, including pregnant women and children, and the household trash from their homes has triggered radiation detectors at... more »

• Study: Despite rules, surgery mistakes continuing

  October 18, 2010 4:26 PM

  U.S. hospitals enacted rules in 2004 to end surgical mistakes. But a new study says doctors are still reporting operations performed on the wrong body parts and even the wrong people. The study published in the Archives of Surgery looked at a database of errors that doctors reported to... more »

• Flu vaccines safe for those with egg allergies

  October 15, 2010 9:02 AM

  Flu vaccines are grown in chicken eggs--problematic for people allergic to eggs. But this flu season, people with egg allergies shouldn't be worried about getting the seasonal influenza vaccine, which includes protection against H1N1, experts say. A new study found that the vaccines are safe for people with egg... more »

• Symptoms common in all cancer patients

  October 12, 2010 8:44 AM

  New research finds most cancer patients have multiple physical symptoms throughout all stages of the disease. The study of over 400 patients identified 22 physical symptoms associated with all types of cancer including fatigue, pain, weakness, loss of appetite, constipation, insomnia and nausea. Researchers say these symptoms impact... more »

• First ever human study on stem cell treatment underway

  October 12, 2010 8:18 AM

  Geron Corp. has begun testing an embryonic stem-cell treatment on a patient with spinal cord injuries, marking the first time such a drug has been used on a human. The company says it has enrolled the first patient in the early stage study, which will look at the safety... more »

• Childhood asthma linked to poor diet, sedentary lifestyle

  September 20, 2010 11:41 AM

  A new study finds children with an imbalanced metabolism are at an increased risk for asthma, even if they're not overweight. Researchers at West Virginia University looked at almost 18,000 children and noticed that while asthma risk did increase with BMI, there were other factors. Children who had early... more »

• Predicting heart attacks with a strand of hair

  September 8, 2010 3:51 PM

  Would you give up a strand of your hair to assess your heart attack risk? Researchers are saying that's all it takes. The body secretes a hormone called cortisol during times of stress and levels are usually detected in urine or saliva. But Canadian researchers discovered a way to... more »

• Obesity tied to lack of nighttime sleep

  September 8, 2010 3:30 PM

  Infants and young children who don't get enough nighttime sleep may be at risk for obesity later in life. Researchers studied the sleep habits of almost 2,000 children in 1997 and then followed up five years later. About a third of the children were overweight or obese -- and... more »

• Questions loom over drug given to sleepless vets

  August 30, 2010 8:36 AM

  Some military families are calling on Congress to investigate several deaths of soldiers and veterans who were taking a potent anti-pyschotic called Seroquel. Thousands of soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have received the same medication over the last nine years. It's unclear how many soldiers have... more »

• Some migraines linked to heart attack,stroke

  August 25, 2010 10:35 AM

  New research suggests some migraine sufferers have a higher risk of dying from heart disease and stroke. The study from the University of Iceland followed over 18,000 men and women for 26 years. Researchers found those who had migraines with aura, or vision problems during their headaches, were at... more »

• Scientists link ALS, athlete head injuries

  August 17, 2010 8:31 AM

  HBO's "Real Sports" is reporting that scientists have found evidence connecting head injuries in athletes to Lou Gehrig's disease. Dr. Ann McKee says in an interview to air Tuesday night that she found toxic proteins in the spinal cords of three athletes who had suffered head injuries and then... more »

• Free health screenings in Colorado Springs, Pueblo

  August 10, 2010 1:21 PM

  Six health tests valued at $140 -- bone density, cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, waist circumference and body mass analysis -- will be given free in Colorado Springs and Pueblo over the next two weeks. It's part of the AARP-Walgreens Wellness Tour. It takes about 25 minutes to complete all... more »

• Worldwide swine flu death toll: 18,449

  August 10, 2010 8:44 AM

  The World Health Organization declared Tuesday that the swine flu pandemic over. The global body's pandemic alert shifted to the "post-peak" or "post-pandemic" stages. WHO last week confirmed 18,449 deaths from swine flu worldwide since the outbreak began in April 2009. The number of lab-confirmed deaths globally has... more »

• Pet food causing salmonella in kids

  August 9, 2010 9:11 AM

  Keep young kids away from the pet food. That advice comes from researchers who are reporting the first known salmonella outbreak in humans linked to dry pet food. Most of the victims are young children. And the experts don't think they're actually eating the pet food. They think the... more »

• Fructose linked to cancer cell growth

  August 5, 2010 11:51 AM

  A popular sweetener has been linked to faster cancer cell growth. Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that fructose caused pancreatic cancer cells to divide and grow more quickly. The findings of their study are reported in the journal Cancer Research. Americans' consumption of high fructose... more »

• Crushing obesity rates reported in 9 states

  August 4, 2010 11:21 AM

  Americans are more overweight than ever and may die sooner because of it according to the new report from the Centers for Disease Control. From 2007 to 2009 the number of states with more than a third of their population considered obese tripled from three states to nine. ... more »

• Weight loss key: bacteria in your gut

  July 29, 2010 9:22 AM

  If you want to lose weight any dietitian will tell you to eat less and exercise more, but researchers say the bacteria in your gut may play a huge role in the size of your waistline. A recent study published in the journal Nature finds every person carries 160... more »

• Tests to determine if age of blood matters

  July 27, 2010 8:46 AM

  There's growing concern that blood transfusion patients who receive older blood may not do as well as patients who receive fresher blood. Hospitals throughout the country are taking part in a study in hopes of discovering whether the age of blood does make a difference. The multi-million-dollar research on... more »

• Smog linked to heart cell death

  July 26, 2010 9:55 AM

  A new study finds smog may cause cell death in the heart. Air pollution has been linked to cardiovascular disease -- but it's hard to narrow down which chemicals are responsible. This study looked at ozone -- a gas that protects the earth from the sun's radiation and... more »

• Researchers make huge asthma discovery

  July 23, 2010 9:45 AM

  There is new hope for millions of asthma sufferers. Researchers are on the verge of a major breakthrough that could make inhalers a thing of the past. Dr. David Farrar and his research team at the University of Texas Southwestern discovered that Interferon, an immune system protein already... more »

• Doctors' group wants to reverse surge in C-sections

  July 22, 2010 8:34 AM

  There's a new call for natural childbirth for women who've had a C-section. Hoping to reverse hospital trends they call "once a cesarean, always a cesarean" in childbirth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it's time to step back. They're rewriting guidelines for women who've had... more »

• Excess weight affects memory

  July 19, 2010 9:40 AM

  The more an older woman weighs -- the worse her memory. A study out of Northwestern University found for every one point increase in Body Mass Index, a woman's memory score dropped a point. Researchers looked at the brain function and weight of over 8500 postmenopausal women. Those... more »

• Microneedles may make getting flu shots easier

  July 19, 2010 8:15 AM

  Researchers developing a new method of vaccine delivery are hoping that one day, people will get their annual flu shots in the mail. Researchers say the new method of vaccine delivery involves a patch with microneedles. They're so small they can't even be felt. Attached to a patch like... more »

• Longmont dairy to resume selling raw goat milk

  July 16, 2010 9:23 AM

  A Longmont dairy connected to the illnesses of 30 people is being allowed to continue selling raw goat milk after complying with criteria set by county health officials. Billy Goat Dairy owner Bill Campbell says he plans to resume selling the raw goat milk next week. Boulder County... more »

• Bat tests positive for rabies in Pueblo

  July 15, 2010 5:37 PM

  It's a double-whammy for Pueblo. First, West Nile Virus. Now, a rabid bat. "This bat testing positive for rabies confirms rabies is in Pueblo this summer, it is important for individuals to protect themselves and their pets from wild animals that may carry rabies," stated Christine Nevin-Woods, Public Health... more »

• West Nile Virus confirmed in Pueblo

  July 15, 2010 5:21 PM

  Pueblo's first case of West Nile Virus this year has been confirmed, according to Sarah Bruestle of the Pueblo City/County Health Department. The patient, who had to be hospitalized, is now home and expected to fully recover. West Nile Virus is transmitted to people through mosquito bites. Symptoms... more »

• HPV linked to skin cancer

  July 12, 2010 12:45 PM

  It's been established that certain strains of human papillomavirus can lead to cervical cancer. Now doctors say people infected with other HPV strains are more likely to develop skin cancer. The increased risk was especially pronounced for those on immuno-supression drugs. The study led by researchers at Dartmouth... more »

• FDA to review first of 3 new weight loss drugs

  July 12, 2010 10:06 AM

  The first of a trio of new weight loss drugs will be unveiled this week, carrying hope of success where others failed -- safely delivering significant weight loss. With U.S. obesity rates nearing 35 percent of the adult population, expectations are high for the first new prescription drug therapies... more »

• Alzheimer's advances show need for better drugs

  July 12, 2010 9:17 AM

  Scientists are reporting advances in detecting and predicting Alzheimer's disease at a conference in Honolulu this week. There are better brain scans to spot signs of the mind-robbing illness, and more genes that affect risk. Studies show that getting enough exercise and vitamin D may lower your chances of... more »

• Colorado woman diagnosed with West Nile

  July 12, 2010 8:38 AM

  Larimer County health officials say a 39-year-old woman in LaPorte is the second Coloradan with a confirmed case of West Nile virus this year. The woman, whose name wasn't released, is the first Larimer County resident diagnosed with the mosquito-borne disease this year. The Larimer County Department of Health... more »

• Goat milk causes Colorado illnesses

  July 9, 2010 8:57 AM

  State health officials say tests show that raw goat milk from a Longmont dairy is responsible for sickening 30 people, including two children who are in the hospital. Health officials said Thursday that samples of unpasteurized milk from the Billy Goat Dairy tested positive for the strains of campylobacter... more »

• Obesity study seeking volunteers for surgery

  July 7, 2010 4:08 PM

  Some obese patients reversed their diabetes soon after weight loss surgery. Now doctors are testing whether the operation helps diabetics who are merely overweight or a tad obese control their blood sugar. The Cleveland Clinic is recruiting 150 overweight and obese diabetics. Some will have surgery and their progress... more »

• Hemorrhagic Dengue Fever spreading in Puerto Rico

  July 6, 2010 8:26 AM

  Puerto Rico's health secretary warns the island could face its worst outbreak of dengue fever ever unless people eradicate bug breeding areas. Health officials say three people have already died from the hemorrhagic form of the virus so far this year. Unless action is taken now, they warn, there... more »

• Mosquitoes are biting - avoid West Nile Virus

  June 16, 2010 1:43 PM

  A combination or rainy and hot weather have provided perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The El Paso County Health Department is warning you to take precautions against West Nile Virus. They recommend: · Wear insect repellant with DEET. · DRAIN standing water outside in tires, flower... more »

• FDA stepping up oversight of nation's produce

  June 9, 2010 8:37 AM

  It's the little things that often make food unsafe. And now, the government is looking to tighten the oversight of produce. Worker hygiene, undetected animal contact and runoff from animal manure are often difficult to identify as the sources of food-borne illness -- something that's frustrated health authorities for... more »

• Swine flu activity in Colorado: 0 cases

  June 8, 2010 10:34 AM

  After a year of struggling to contain then eradicate H1N1 swine flu in Colorado, health officials report that in mid-May, all influenza has finally been stamped out. The week ending May 22, the most recent week for which data is available, is the first time Colorado has reported no activity.... more »

• Back pain widely overtreated

  June 8, 2010 8:36 AM

  A recent estimate has Americans spending a staggering $86 billion a year to care for aching backs. The money covers MRIs, pain pills, nerve blocks and a host of other treatments. But research finds little evidence that the patients got better as medical bills soared over the past decade.... more »

• Overdoing medical tests costly

  June 7, 2010 4:36 PM

  More medical care won't necessarily make you healthier - it may make you sicker. It's an idea that technology-loving Americans find hard to believe. Anywhere from one-fifth to nearly one-third of the tests and treatments we get are estimated to be unnecessary, and avoidable care is costly in more... more »

• Experimental treatment for melanoma

  June 7, 2010 11:58 AM

  Researchers have announced a huge breakthrough for people with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. A new treatment literally "melts away" the deadly disease for some patients. The treatment is called Ipilimumab, or "Ipi" for short. It utilizes a protein that helps the immune system attack the disease.... more »

• Trained noses to sniff out Gulf seafood for oil

  June 7, 2010 8:53 AM

  Some seafood inspectors working along the Gulf of Mexico are picking up a new skill to keep oil-tainted seafood from consumers. They're being trained to use their noses to sniff out offending odors. It's a daunting task to look over all the catch pulled in by thousands of fisherman... more »

• Nighttime snacking bad for teeth

  June 4, 2010 12:06 PM

  Have a case of the midnight munchies? Be careful -- all that nighttime nibbling may be damaging your teeth. In a new study, researchers at the University of Copenhagen followed over 2,000 adults for six years. They found nocturnal eaters -- those who had a quarter or more of... more »

• McDonald's pulls cadmium-tainted Shrek glasses

  June 4, 2010 8:44 AM

  McDonald's is recalling 12 million drinking glasses it is selling to promote the new "Shrek" movie because painted designs on the cheap collectibles contain the toxic metal cadmium. The burger giant said early Friday that it wants customers to stop using the 16-ounce glasses, which have been sold for... more »

• Diet and exercise keep you sharp into golden years

  June 3, 2010 11:57 AM

  The riches of the golden years are all too often stolen. As we age our chances of being afflicted with dementia go up dramatically and it can creep up on you. "Maybe your memory is not quite as sharp as usual, your problem solving skills are not quite as... more »

• Major retailers agree to limit lead in purses

  June 3, 2010 9:05 AM

  More than 40 major retailers and apparel makers have agreed to limit the use of lead in handbags and other fashion accessories. The companies will set new industry standards for lead use in their products as part of a $1.7 million legal settlement filed Tuesday in Alameda County Superior... more »

• Gulf spill workers complaining of flulike symptoms

  June 3, 2010 8:25 AM

  A doctor says 11 workers who have been out on the Gulf of Mexico cleaning up oil from BP's blown-out well have been treated for symptoms that could be related to the oil. Dr. Damon Dietrich says he has seen patients come through his emergency room at West Jefferson... more »

• Keep moving to overcome fatigue of cancer treatment

  June 1, 2010 10:37 AM

  Exercise can benefit some cancer patients during their treatment. Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit created a customized exercise program -- according to a patient's weight, overall health and type of cancer treatment. Those on the exercise regime said their quality of life improved and that they felt... more »

• Study: Exercise benefits cancer patients

  June 1, 2010 10:28 AM

  Exercise can benefit some cancer patients during their treatment. Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit created a customized exercise program -- according to a patient's weight, overall health and type of cancer treatment. Those on the exercise regime said their quality of life improved and that they felt... more »