Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Health

The Doctor’s World

30 Years In, We Are Still Learning From AIDS

Ken Meeks, photographed in San Francisco in September 1986, died three days later. His skin lesions were the result of Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare cancer that was a harbinger of the AIDS epidemic.
Alon Reininger/Contact Press Images

Ken Meeks, photographed in San Francisco in September 1986, died three days later. His skin lesions were the result of Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare cancer that was a harbinger of the AIDS epidemic.

The fight against the disease has altered medicine, shaped research and highlighted the challenges that remain.

Putting a Crimp in the Hookah

Cassie Ramsey, a student, at a Providence, R.I., hookah bar. A boom in hookah use has led to new health efforts against them.
Stew Milne for The New York Times

Cassie Ramsey, a student, at a Providence, R.I., hookah bar. A boom in hookah use has led to new health efforts against them.

Although water pipes are commonly viewed as less dangerous to health than cigarettes, they are just as bad, researchers say.

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Stuart Bradford
Well

Tuning In to Patients’ Cries for Help

Hospitals around the country are starting programs to deal with the problem of slow responses to patients' calls for assistance.

Books

Broad Brushstrokes Obscure a View of Brain Trauma

In this tripartite story of brain, art and family life, the author aces the first part but comes up surprisingly short in the other two.

Cases

A Source of Strength to Help Conquer Addiction

An adult addict gains a better appreciation of a beloved father who used to be an alcoholic.

Recipes for Health

Cornmeal and Flax-Crusted Cod or Snapper

Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

These crisp fillets provide an easy way to introduce flaxseeds into a main dish.

Viral Outbreaks in Dogs Yield Clues on Origins of Hepatitis C

Researchers in New York estimate that a newly discovered virus, canine hepacivirus, also known as CHV, shared an ancestor with the hepatitis C virus 500 to 1,000 years ago.

Translation Matters in Choices on Data

Researchers find that both doctors and patients are largely unaware of the different and equally accurate ways of presenting the same information.

More Columns
Personal Health

A Good Night’s Sleep Isn’t a Luxury; It’s a Necessity

There always seems to be something keeping us awake.

To Rest Easy, Forget the Sheep

Forget counting sheep. Try these suggestions instead.

Really?

The Claim: A Diet High in Protein Is Bad for Your Kidneys

A look at the research on a popular weight loss choice.

Q & A

The Squeaky Joint

Considerable research shows that ingesting fish oils can help reduce stiffness in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Weekly Health Quiz

In the news: A smoking ban, home births and a new obesity culprit. Test your knowledge of this week’s health news.

Multimedia
Patient Voices: Childhood Cancer

An unimaginable diagnosis is followed by worry, fear and tough decisions. Six people speak about how childhood cancer changed their lives.

Exploring the Roots of Sinus Trouble

Experts discuss biofilms and the underlying causes of chronic sinusitis.

Multimedia
Gym Class: Samurai Sword Workout

The Times's fitness guinea pig, Karen Barrow, tries a samurai sword workout.

Money & Policy »

Breaches Lead to Push to Protect Medical Data

The Department of Health and Human Services is using existing rules to enforce medical privacy, but some wonder if stronger laws are needed.

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Research »

F.D.A. Approves Drug to Treat Hospital Scourge

The drug, called Dificid, is the first new medicine in 25 years approved to treat diarrhea caused by Clostridium difficile, a nasty and persistent bacterium.

Times Essentials
Reporter's File
When Sinus Problems Won’t Go Away

Inflammation, and not necessarily infection, is the common theme in chronic sinusitis.

The Radiation Boom

Articles in this series examine issues arising from the increasing use of medical radiation and the new technologies that deliver it.

More than 3,000 topics described, illustrated and investigated

Multimedia
Patient Voices

First-person accounts of patients' everyday challenges.

Audio Epilepsy | Alzheimer's | Migraines | Psoriasis | Alopecia | See All »

Times Health Reporters

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