•
•
•
•
As Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services during the 1980s, Dr. Brandt is recognized for giving birth to efforts on women's health across the entire Department of Health and Human Services that have resulted in the increased national consciousness about women's health and their healthcare. Dr. Vivian Pinn, the Director of the Office of Research on Women's Health, called him the "godfather of women's health."
Obituary
“Time to Talk”
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is launching a new campaign to encourage health care providers and their patients to talk about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). According to a recent survey conducted by NCCAM and AARP, almost three-quarters of people over the age of 50 have not discussed the use of CAM with their physicians. To ensure safe, coordinated care, health care providers need to ASK and patients need to TELL about the use of CAM. For more information and to order materials, visit nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk.
Framingham Observational Study Notes Greater Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Adults Consuming Soft Drinks
Middle-aged adults who drank more than one soft drink daily, either diet or regular, have a more than 40 percent greater rate of either having or developing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk for heart disease, according to new data from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Press Release
WHI Study of Younger Postmenopausal Women Links Estrogen Therapy to Less Plaque in Arteries
Experts Caution that Heart Disease Effects Remain Unclear
New results from a substudy of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Estrogen-Alone Trial show that younger postmenopausal women who take estrogen-alone hormone therapy have significantly less buildup of calcium plaque in their arteries compared to their peers who did not take hormone therapy. The findings do not alter the current recommendations...
Press Release
NHLBI Media Availability: Longer Treatment Benefits Sleep Apnea Patients
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea benefit significantly from longer nightly use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), a device to improve breathing during sleep, according to the first study to identify the nightly duration of CPAP use needed to gain maximum benefit for daytime alertness and functioning.
Press Release
NIH Request for Applications (RFA) on New Interventions for Menopausal Symptoms
Application deadline: November 23, 2007
RFA-AG-08-004
NIAMS Releases The Future Directions of Lupus Research
The Future Directions of Lupus Research is a planning document presented by the National Institutes of Health and developed with tremendous input from scientific experts from the lupus research community and beyond. This document focuses on five major areas of research including: disease etiology; innate immunity, acquired immunity and inflammation; target organ damage; pediatric lupus, special populations and health services research; and diagnosis and treatment.
Press Release
Biomarkers May Predict, and Corticosteroids Prevent, Severe Lupus Flares
NIAMS researchers have demonstrated that two blood tests can predict severe flares in people with lupus who are clinically stable, and that moderate doses of corticosteroids can prevent flares in these individuals.
Press Release
Gabapentin Shown Effective for Fibromyalgia Pain
New research supported by the NIAMS shows that the anticonvulsant medication gabapentin, which is used for certain types of seizures, can be an effective treatment for the pain and other symptoms associated with the common, often hard-to-treat chronic pain disorder, fibromyalgia.
Press Release
Antidepressant Use Linked to Bone Loss
Older women and men who take the most widely used type of antidepressant medication may be at increased risk for bone loss, according to the results of 2 large studies.
Press Release
Progesterone Treatment Does Not Prevent Preterm Birth in Twin Pregnancy
News Release
Selected NIEHS publications on the role of environmental factors in women’s health issues:
News
Women urged to join breast cancer Sister Study
Bangor Daily News (Maine)
June 30, 2007
Manic Phase of Bipolar Disorder Benefits from Breast Cancer Medication
Tamoxifen treats mania faster than some standard medications
Press Release
Brain’s Reward Circuit Activity Ebbs and Flows with a Woman’s Hormonal Cycle
Press Release
Related Article: Association of GRIK4 With Outcome of Antidepressant Treatment in the STAR*D Cohort -- Paddock et al. 164 (8): 1181 -- Am J Psychiatry.
Study Tracks Prevalence of Eating Disorders
Press Release
Depression Risk Higher in Girls with Low Birth Weight
Press Release
New Vitamin D Evidence Report Reveals Gaps in Knowledge and Serves as Basis for Upcoming NIH Conference on Vitamin D and Bone Health
Press Release
Vitamin D Evidence Report
Antioxidants no magic bullet for heart disease in women
Forbes
A large study has found that popular antioxidant supplements such as vitamins C, E and beta-carotene don't prevent heart disease in high-risk women.
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/08/13/hscout607253.html
Pot belly linked to heart disease
BBC News
Research from the University of Texas found large waist measurements, relative to hip size, were linked to early signs of heart disease.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6944279.stm
Newly created cancer stem cells could aid breast cancer research
Science Daily
Each cancer cell in the tumor plays a specific role and just a fraction of the cells serve as "queens," possessing the unique ability to maintain themselves in an unspecialized state and seed new tumors. These cells can also divide and produce the "worker" cells that form the bulk of the tumor.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070813121037.htm
IUDs safe and effective in high-risk patients
EurekAlert
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have found that intrauterine devices are safe and effective in a population of women previously not considered as good candidates for this method of birth control.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/vcu-isa080207.php
Why women get more migraines than men
Newswise
New research suggests that women have a faster trigger than men for activating waves of brain activity thought to underlie migraines. If correct, this triggering mechanism may be a new target for migraine treatment.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/532199/
A sensory organ, not the brain, differentiates male and female behavior in some mammals
EurekAlert
Biologists at Harvard University say sex differences may not arise in the brain at all. Rather, they say, the epicenter of sex-specific behavior in many species may be a small sensory organ found in the noses of all terrestrial vertebrates except higher primates.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-08/hu-aso080207.php
Sunshine helps in the fight against breast cancer
Times Online
Women who stay out of the sun are increasing their risk of developing breast cancer, a new study suggests.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article2195614.ece
Tobacco may help fight cervical cancer
USA Today
In the heart of tobacco country, researchers are trying to coax from tobacco plants a drug that could be used to prevent cervical cancer in India, where four times as many women get the disease and eight times as many die of it as in the United States. The tobacco-based vaccine still in the works would cost an estimated $3 for three doses, compared with $360 for three doses of Gardasil.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-07-29-cervicalcancer_N.htm
A potential new disease-modifying drug for osteoarthritis
EurekAlert
Study indicates promise of bone-building calcitonin for protecting post-menopausal women against cartilage degradation and joint destruction.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/jws-apn072307.php
More research needed to identify effective treatments for uterine fibroids
Medical News Today
A systematic review of the research concerning treatment options for uterine fibroids, which affect most American women over 50, reveals surprisingly little evidence to help compare standard treatment recommendation.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78020.php
Some newer treatments for uterine fibroids improve recovery time—jury is out on long-term impact
Medical News Today
Women who undergo uterine artery embolization, a newer, less invasive treatment for uterine fibroids, have shorter recoveries and spend less time in the hospital than women who have hysterectomies, according to a new research.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/78070.php
Overweight women at risk of pregnancy complications
Reuters
The heavier a woman is before pregnancy, the greater her risk of a range of pregnancy complications.
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSHAR06608720070730
Disparities in infant mortality not related to race
Science Daily
The cause of low birth weights among African-American women has more to do with racism than with race.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070730173400.htm
New genes discovered for MS
Time
Two new genes may contribute to the immune disorder multiple sclerosis (MS). The hope is that the discovery will someday lead to the development of more efficient and much-needed MS drugs.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1647940,00.html?cnn=yes
Mayo Clinic study finds focused ultrasound treatment of uterine fibroids long term symptom relief
EurekAlert
A noninvasive, outpatient treatment for noncancerous uterine tumors provides sustained relief from symptoms.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-07/mc-mcs073007.php
Older women should avoid hormone therapy
Reuters
Women long past menopause should not use hormones to prevent heart disease, researchers said.
Reuters Article
Breast cancer gene testing may be appropriate for more young breast cancer patients
Medical News Today
Women who have breast cancer before age 50 and who have few female relatives on one side of their family tree should be considered candidates for genetic testing for cancer genes.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=76531
Breast cancer genes don't raise tumor-linked death risk
Forbes
Women with breast cancer who carry BRCA gene mutations have the same death rates from their malignancies as women without this DNA variant do.
http://www.forbes.com/forbeslife/health/feeds/hscout/2007/07/11/hscout606329.html
Uninsured women more than twice as likely as women with private insurance to not have had a pap smear in the last three years
Medical News Today
One-fourth of uninsured U.S. women between the ages of 18-64 reported not having had a Pap smear within the last three years when surveyed in 2005. This was double the 11 percent rate for women with private insurance and more than the 15 percent rate for women covered by Medicaid or any other public insurance.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=76584
Mild stress in the womb may worsen risk of cerebral palsy
Science Daily
Chronic mild stress in pregnant mothers may increase the risk that their offspring will develop cerebral palsy—a group of neurological disorders marked by physical disability—according to new research on mice.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070711105828.htm
Safety versus success in elective single embryo transfer: women’s preferences for outcomes of in vitro fertilization
BJOG
Some women waiting for in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment would prefer to give birth to a child with chronic disability associated with a multiple birth due to double embryo transfer, than opt for safer single embryo transfer because they believe their chances of success are reduced.
http://www.rcog.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=97&PressReleaseID=154
Women more stressed by insomnia
The Observer UK
Whether it's due to partners snoring, nagging consciences or the stresses and anxieties of modern life, new research has revealed that women are almost 20 percent more likely to suffer insomnia than men.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2115792,00.html
Is there a way to protect against pelvic muscle injury during childbirth?
Boston Globe
Doctors have suspected for years, but only just confirmed with MRI that vaginal deliveries can severely tear the levator ani muscles in the pelvis. These tears, according to a study in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, can lead later in life to uterine prolapse, in which the uterus bulges into and sometimes falls out of the vagina, and possibly to incontinence, or leakage of urine, as well.
Article
Diabetes Care For Women Shows Gains, USA
Medical News Today
Women are now about as likely as men to get recommended screening tests and treatments to manage their diabetes, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=75264
Women Advised To Speak Up And Talk To Their Dentists
Medical News Today
Things that alter the female body, such as prescription medications to help prevent diseases such as osteoporosis or depression, diabetes, or a vitamin deficiency, can affect a woman's oral health.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=75307
Black Women Are Prone To Aggressive Type Of Cancer
TBO.com
Black women are prone to aggressive type of cancer Tampa Tribune Black women, particularly young ones, get hit much more often by an aggressive form of breast cancer that is invulnerable to many of the latest treatments.
http://www.tbo.com/news/nationworld/MGBXH6P8F3F.html
Sex differences in brains reflect disease risks
Physorg.com
Sex differences in brains reflect disease risks Physorg.com Small differences can be significant when it comes to memory, arousal, reasoning, and risk of some diseases. The latter include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, drug abuse, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease.
http://www.physorg.com/news102089072.html
Women Smokers Double Their Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
About.com
Women smokers double their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis About.com According to research presented in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, women who have not inherited a well-known genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (HLA-DRB1 SE) double their odds of developing the disease because they smoke.
http://arthritis.about.com/b/a/257366.htm
New Spanish Language Web Site on Breast Implants
The National Research Center for Women & Families announced the launch of a Spanish language Web site focused on breast implants. The site was developed to better serve America’s growing Latino community, and the many women in South and Central America who are considering plastic surgery. The web site address is http://www.implantesdemama.org/, which is Spanish for the colloquial term for breast implants. [National Research Center for Women & Families]
Mississippi Breast Cancer Program Receives Gift from National Foundation
http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/23,5187,279.html
The Mississippi State Department of Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Program is the recipient of a $100,000 donation from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. All of the funds will be used to provide screening mammograms for uninsured, under-insured, medically underserved, minority and elderly women between the ages of 40 and 49 who meet the program’s criteria. [Mississippi State Department of Health]
FDA Approves Test for Detecting Breast Cancer Spread to Lymph Nodes
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01667.html
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first molecular-based laboratory test for detecting whether breast cancer has spread (metastasized) to nearby lymph nodes. The GeneSearch BLN Assay detects molecules that are abundant in breast tissue but scarce in a normal lymph node. The presence or absence of breast cancer cells in underarm lymph nodes is a powerful predictor of whether the cancer has spread and is used to help decide appropriate therapy for a woman with metastatic breast cancer. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]
A Brief Skill-Building Program Can Reduce Risk among African American Women
http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2007/ninr-26.htm
A brief skill-building program on practices to reduce exposure to sexually transmitted disease (STD) and HIV improved the self-reported protective behaviors of inner-city black women for up to one year and actually decreased their risk of acquiring an STD, according to a study appearing in the June 2007 issue of the American Journal of Public Health. The women received the program from specially trained nurses either individually or in small group sessions at an inner-city women’s health clinic. The study was conducted as part of the “Sister to Sister: The Black Women’s Health Project,” funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, a component of the National Institutes of Health. [National Institutes of Health]
Children’s Metal Jewelry Recalled Due to Lead Poisoning Hazard
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07232.html
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Future Industries, of Cliffwood Beach, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Essentials for Kids Jewelry Sets. The recalled metal jewelry sets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. [U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]
FDA Offers New Food Safety Education Kit for Moms-to-Be
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/psn/transcript.cfm?show=65#9
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is offering a free educational kit that nurses, midwives and other educators can use to make presentations on food safety for pregnant women. The kit contains an Educator's Resource Guide with background and facts on food safety, reproducible handouts and a 20-minute video. The materials can be found on a special FDA web site, along with a printable poster and a set of PowerPoint slides. All of these materials are available in both English and Spanish. [Food and Drug Administration]
HHS Unveils “Parents Speak Up” National Campaign
http://opa.osophs.dhhs.gov/SpeakUp_Campaign1.pdf
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services unveiled a new campaign encouraging parents to talk to their pre-teen and teenage children about waiting to have sex. The “Parents Speak Up” National Campaign public service advertising features kids who invite their parents to talk to them about sex, their values, and how waiting can contribute to future success. In addition to advertising, which includes television, radio, print, outdoor, and interactive banners, the “Parents Speak Up” National Campaign encourages grassroots community involvement. Three Outreach Centers are raising awareness of and support for the campaign in the African American, Hispanic, and Native American communities. [Department of Health and Human Services]
State Health Launches "HIV STOPS WITH ME" Campaign
http://www.health.state.ny.us/press/releases/2007/2007-06-22_hiv_stops_with_me.htm
New York State Health Commissioner Richard Daines, M.D., announced the expansion of the "HIV STOPS WITH ME" campaign. The campaign is unique in that it uses real New Yorkers living with AIDS to convey important messages about HIV prevention and improving the health of infected individuals. Originally launched in New York in 2005, the "HIV STOPS WITH ME" campaign has been a highly successful education and public awareness campaign. Phase II of the campaign will run for approximately one year. The "HIV STOPS WITH ME" campaign particularly targets men having sex with men and women of color. [New York Department of Health]
Health Department Expands “Health Bucks” Program for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2007/pr055-07.shtml
New Yorkers have a healthy appetite for fresh, local fruits and vegetables, according to results from a pilot program designed to encourage healthier food shopping at farmers’ markets. The Health Department reported that New Yorkers redeemed more than 40% of the 9,000 Health Bucks coupons distributed last year to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. To build on that success, the agency will give out approximately 15,000 Health Bucks this summer, each one valued at $2. [New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene]
Conferences/Other Events
2007 National Prevention and Health Promotion Summit
http://www.cdc.gov/cochp/conference/index.htm
November 27-29, 2007, Washington, D.C.
National HIV Prevention Conference
http://www.2007nhpc.org/backgroundinfo.asp
December 2-5, 2007, Atlanta, GA
NIH State-of-the-Science Conference: Prevention of Fecal and Urinary Incontinence in Adults
http://consensus.nih.gov/2007/2007IncontinenceSOS030main.htm#Background
December 10-12, 2007, Bethesda, MD
Women in Biomedical Research: Best Practices for Sustaining Career Success
http://www.womeninscience.nih.gov/bestpractices/index.asp
March 4-5, 2008, Bethesda MD
Organization for the Study of Sex Differences
http://www.ossdweb.org/
June 4 – 7, 2008, New Orleans, LA
