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.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:50 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:50:15 GMT
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
A massive tornado devastated parts of Oklahoma on Monday. It destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing dozens of people. If you would like to help those in need, you can donate to relief organizations.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:28 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:28:08 GMT
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
The new book, 'Stiletto Network: Inside The Women's Power Circles That Are Changing the Face of Business,' is shining light on how women cooperate in the workplace.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:18:33 GMT
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Blogging site Tumblr has been sold to Yahoo for over $1B. Social media expert Chris Dessi and Laura Kusisto, Wall Street Journal reporter, discuss the sale during Good Day NY.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-21 12:38:01 GMT
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the Oklahoma tornado.
Country crooner Trace Adkins is the winner of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. While he's happy to have raised money for his charity, Adkins says his mind and heart are with the victims of the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma on Monday.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:12 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:12:07 GMT
American Idol season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison gave winner Candice Glover a run for her money. But the top two finalists became good friends during weeks of competition. Harrison stopped by Monday's Good Day New York
American Idol season 12 runner-up Kree Harrison gave winner Candice Glover a run for her money. But the top two finalists became good friends during weeks of competition. We'll hear from the rising star next week.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:08:31 GMT
The sixth installment of the wildly popular 'Fast & Furious' movies hit theaters next week. Actor Tyrese Gibson shares the big screen with a star-studded cast.
The sixth installment of the wildly popular 'Fast & Furious' movies hit theaters next week. Actor Tyrese Gibson shares the big screen with a star-studded cast.
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children.
If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children.
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.
As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues.
