The scientists found no difference in the degree of breast ptosis - the medical term for sagging - between women who breast-fed and those who didn't. More relevant factors, they said, were age, the number of pregnancies and whether the woman smoked.
"Smoking breaks down a protein in the skin called elastin, which gives youthful skin its elastic appearance and supports the breast," Rinker said. "So it would make sense that it would have an adverse effect on the breasts."
MEDTRONICA
Office of Minority Health; omhrc.gov
This federal agency's goal is to improve and protect the health of racial minorities in the United States, most notably to eliminate health disparities caused by policies and programs.
The site contains updated news, health advice and links to learning more about diseases, immunizations and health care programs. En Espanol, too.
STORIES FOR THE WAITING ROOM
The first successful Caesarean section (both mother and newborn survived) was reportedly performed by a Swiss pig gelder on his wife in 1500.
GET ME THAT. STAT!
One in every eight (12.2%) of the 47 million Americans without health insurance is a military veteran or a member of a veteran's household, according to a study by Harvard Medical School researchers based at the Cambridge Health Alliance.
PHOBIA OF THE WEEK
Ereuthrophobia - fear of blushing
NEVER SAY DIET
The world's speed-eating record for baked beans is 6 pounds in 1 minute, 48 seconds by Don Lerman.
CURTAIN CALLS
The world premiere of "Bedtime for Bonzo," one of Ronald Reagan's, uh, most memorable films, was marred in 1951 when Reagan's co-star - a chimpanzee named Peggy (Bonzo) - died the day before the movie opened.
GULP!
Some numbers are tough to swallow. Consider these from Proto, the magazine of Massachusetts General Hospital:
8-10 - Estimated number of Americans, in millions, with an eating disorder
90 - Percentage of those with eating disorders who are females ages 12-25
50 - Percentage of eating disorder cases that may go undetected
56 - Number of times more likely an anorexic woman is to commit suicide than a non-anorexic woman of similar age
5 - Typical number of years after the onset of bulimia symptoms before a patient is diagnosed
$30,000 - Typical cost of one month of inpatient treatment for anorexia
50 - Minimum percentage of anorexics who undergo treatment but never fully recover
27 - Number of states that do not mandate health insurance coverage of eating disorders
14 - Dollars, in millions, that the National Institutes of Health expects to spend on anorexia research in 2008
55 - Dollar value, in billions, of the U.S. weight-loss industry
A healthy human body emits flatulence an average of five times a day, releasing about 17 ounces of intestinal gas.
OBSERVATION
I am in a moment of pretty wellness.
- Horace Walpole, 18th century British writer
LADYBUG ALLERGIES
Ladybug, ladybug fly away. The little insect could be causing your congestion and sneezing, particularly in the fall and winter when the bugs move indoors to escape the chill. Consumer Reports on Health says a study found that as many as 20% of people tested for ladybug sensitivity were allergic. To prevent the critters from invading, seal cracks in windows and doors and repair window screens. Vacuum up any bugs you find and dump outdoors.
BRAINSTORM ALONE
New research says you brainstorm better alone. According to Indiana University researchers, a group or team setting produces fewer and less creative ideas and solutions. In their study, they showed participants a popular soft drink ad and then asked them to compile a list of as many other brands of soda as they could. Team players came up with 10; solo brainstormers had 15. When you work alone, your mind stays open to more unusual ideas and you're less likely to go off track.
- Compiled by R.J. Ignelzi
