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Is it time for a surgeon general report on vaping?

NEW YORK (AP) — Sixty years ago, the U.S. surgeon general released a report that settled a longstanding public debate about the dangers of cigarettes and led to huge changes in smoking in America. Today, some public health experts say a similar report could help clear the air about vaping. Many U.S. adults believe nicotine vaping is as harmful as — or more dangerous than — cigarette smoking. That’s wrong. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and most scientists agree that, based on available evidence, electronic cigarettes are far less dangerous than traditional ...

Column: Diabetes Awareness Month fails to teach amputation prevention

ESCANABA — Once again, Diabetes Awareness Month came and went. But little has changed in how we go about preventing the debilitating consequences to the feet. Certainly, as many are aware, diabetes mellitus is associated with multiple complications, from heart disease to vision problems, clogged arteries and kidney disease. But not enough attention is given to the problem of “diabetic foot disease.” We are referring to the high rate of foot ulcerations, infections, and amputations that occur to these individuals. It is true we have made great strides in how many of these ...

Briefs

Rummage and bake sale Sept. 4 in Rock ROCK — The Rock Senior Citizen’s Corporation will be hosting a rummage sale on Saturday, Sept. 4 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Rock Senior Center. The Rock Legion Auxiliary will also be holding a bake sale under the awning outside the Center during the same hours. 9-11 veterans’ picnic planned for Sept. 10 ESCANABA — Area veterans are invited to attend a picnic lunch on Friday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in honor and remembrance of those who died and those who saved throughout the tragedies of 9-11. The event will be held rain ...

Scientists aim at joint injuries that can trigger arthritis

WASHINGTON (AP) — Arthritis isn’t always from the wear and tear of getting older — younger adults too often get it after suffering knee or ankle injuries. Now researchers are hunting a way to stave off the damage, by targeting the little energy factories that power cartilage cells. University of Iowa scientists used pigs to mimic the cascade of cartilage damage that can begin with a broken ankle. The study found using some old medications in a new way — rapidly injecting them into the animals’ joints — interrupted that cycle of cell dysfunction to protect against ...

Insulin quality questions have experts scrambling

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Preliminary research suggesting that some diabetes patients may be injecting medicine that has partially disintegrated is causing concern even as serious questions are raised about the research itself. The study author, a pharmacist, bought vials of insulin at a number of pharmacies and found that on average the vials had less than half of what was listed on the label and none met a minimum standard. The study tested just 18 vials of insulin — far too few to be definitive — and questions have been raised about the methods used to test the insulin. Insulin ...

Cancer from cellphones? New studies say no

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two government studies that bombarded rats and mice with cellphone radiation found a weak link to some heart tumors, but scientists and federal regulators say don’t worry — it is safe to use your device. They still do. Previous studies of cellphone users had found little reason for concern, but the newest research took a closer look at the effects of super-high doses in animals to address some lingering questions that could not be tested on humans. The rat study released Friday found a small increase in an unusual type of heart tumor in male rats, but there ...