Dr. Michael Smith, Chief Medical Editor of WebMD, takes a look back at the stories that made medical headlines during 2012.
1. Health Care Reform:
When you think of a story that stands to impact absolutely everyone, this is undoubtedly it.
2. New Weight Loss Drugs:
Qsymia & Belviq. Even though both drugs do have risks, the FDA ultimately decided the benefit outweighed these risks.
3. Dreaded Diseases: west Nile & hantavirus.
While people have heard of West Nile, it's actually been a few years since we paid much attention to it. 2012 changed that when we saw the worst year ever in terms of deaths and brain damage from the infection. Then hantavirus reared its ugly head and at Yosemite National Park. It's a very deadly virus that's spread by mice and rats and kills nearly 40% of people who get it.
4. Do Men Need a PSA Test?
Starting at age 50, sometimes younger, men knew they needed a PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Well in 2012 one of the premier organizations that sets screening guidelines said the test will do more harm than good.
5. Sitting Disease:
I have to say I was even a bit surprised at this one. There were several studies showing that sitting too much could be a serious health threat. What's surprising is that sitting a lot increased the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and death even if you exercised regularly.
Friday, May 17 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 21:09:38 GMT
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
Good Day wrapped up its first Burger Week in honor of National Burger Month. Every day we had a burger flashback -- a burger drop of hamburgers in our studio and a burger-related Good Day Cafe. All of
Friday, May 17 2013 10:34 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:34:18 GMT
Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
Aspiring singer Garrett Gardner may have gotten the heave-ho from The Voice, but he's not letting that stifle his music career. The New Jersey native performed during GDNY on Friday.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:05 AM EDT2013-05-17 14:05:18 GMT
It's all about the Bronx as the borough celebrates a week of festivities honoring it's people and the many businesses and establishments that call it home.
It's all about the Bronx as the borough celebrates a week of festivities honoring it's people and the many businesses and establishments that call it home.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:21:42 GMT
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly.
A new photo exhibit at an art gallery in Chelsea is drawing the ire of residents who are the artist's subjects, unknowingly. The artist, Arne Svenson, is reportedly taking the photos through their TriBeCa building windows. In some photos, the residents are bending over, sleeping and cleaning.
Thursday, May 16 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-16 21:46:42 GMT
Author Barbara Taylor Bradford has sold more than 89 million books worldwide. Her 28th book, "Secrets from the Past," is out now. http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com http://www.facebook.com/Barbara
Author Barbara Taylor Bradford has sold more than 89 million books worldwide. Her 28th book, "Secrets from the Past," is out now. http://www.barbarataylorbradford.com http://www.facebook.com/Barbara
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:25 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:25:14 GMT
Age is just a number to daredevil Mike 'Mighty Atom Jr.' Greenstein.
Age is just a number to daredevil Mike 'Mighty Atom Jr.' Greenstein. The 92-year-old will pull a car with his teeth during his first public show on Coney Island next weekend, but first he gave Good Day NY viewers a preview during Thursday's show.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:30 AM EDT2013-05-16 13:30:46 GMT
It's now up to the voters. The first part of the American Idol finale is over and Kree Harrison and Candice Glover sang their hearts out Wednesday night.
It's now up to the voters. The first part of the American Idol finale is over and Kree Harrison and Candice Glover sang their hearts out Wednesday night. The dueling divas each performed an original song. The winner's will be released as her first single.
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