Sugary drinks already have a pretty bad reputation, but now they may be tied to kidney stones.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLKIDNEYSTONES_052313.MP3)

More bad news if you like sweet drinks, new research says they cause kidney stones. Doctors at Brigham and Women’s Hospital analyzed the data of nearly 200,000 patients and found those who drank soda daily had a 33% higher chance of developing kidney stones. Those who drank sweetened fruit drinks had an 18% higher risk.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

For more on this story, visit foxnewshealth.com.

It’s a milestone for the American Cancer Society this week.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (Housecall_052313.mp3)

The American Cancer Society is celebrating its 100th birthday this week.

One of the nation’s best known and influential health advocacy groups was started in 1913 by about a dozen New York City doctors at a time when pneumonia and tuberculosis were getting bigger attention.

The society has made countless cancer breakthroughs in the past century, and today, the rate of new cancer cases has decreased steadily since 1999.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

Safety concerns stemming from compromised buildings and infrastructure continue to be a difficulty for residents and first responders impacted by Monday’s devastating tornado in Oklahoma.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon has more in this “Housecall For Health” report:

Download audio file (Housecall_052213.mp3)

Oklahoma health officials are warning residents that after Monday’s deadly tornado, there are still real dangers. The American Red Cross says people need to steer clear of fallen power lines, gas lines, and damaged buildings. They warn residents, don’t try to go home until you are told it’s safe. And in these first hours after the disaster, it’s crucial to talk to friends and neighbors to better cope with the crippling loss.

Housecall for Health. I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

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Your purse isn’t just storing your wallet, makeup, and sunglasses… according to new research, it’s carrying around lots of bacteria too.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLPURSES_052013.mp3)

New research shows handbags can contain more bacteria than the average toilet. A study from the company Initial Washroom Hygiene finds one-in-five purses carry bacteria dangerous enough to pose a threat to human health, especially those made of leather.

Experts say handbags should be cleaned regularly with antibacterial wipes, and women need to wash their hands after touching the inside of their purse.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

For more on this story, visit foxnewshealth.com.

If you are working in a stressful environment there may not be much you can do to avoid it, but at least try and take care of your heart and it may help your health.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

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A slew of research has already shown being under stress at work is linked to a higher risk of heart problems. But a new study from University College in London finds heart risks were cut in half among people who maintained a healthy lifestyle compared to those who drank, smoked or were obese. Researchers say for many having stress at work is unavoidable, but the negative effects can be offset by being active and eating a balanced diet.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

A new version of the Manual of Mental Disorders is not without controversy.

FOX News Radio’s Hank Weinbloom explains in “Housecall for Health”:

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The American Psychiatric Association’s new Manual of Mental Disorders has some major updates. 

Now, someone in mourning can be diagnosed with major depression. A child’s temper tantrum gets a fancy name “disruptive mood dysregulation disorder”. A senior moment, like forgetting to take your medicine? That gets called “mild neuro-cognitive disorder”.

Critics says psychiatrists are out of control, turning everyday problems into mental illness and adding to what they call a pop-a-pill culture.

Housecall for Health, I’m Hank Weinbloom, FOX News Radio.

Bed rest might not be the best course of action for women dealing with a difficult pregnancy, according to some new research.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (20652_20130514.mp3)

New research suggests the age-old treatment for troubled pregnancies, bed rest, could be harmful.

A study from the NIH of more than 600 women, showed nearly 40% of women who cut activity had a premature baby, compared to just 17% in women who didn’t scale back.

Researchers say bed rest increases the risk of blot clots, bone loss, and muscle loss.  And there are better treatments to prevent pre-maturity.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

An aching back can be painful… but you may be able to take an antibiotic to treat it in the future, according to new research.

FOX News Radio’s Marghiee Teshineh reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLBACK_051013.mp3)

What causes back pain? Too much exercise or heavy lifting?

Researchers in Denmark say almost half of all chronic lower back pain may be caused by bacteria. And that means it can be treated with antibiotics.

Researchers writing in the European Spinal Journal say when someone suffers a herniated disc, bacteria can enter and cause swelling.

One doctor suggests patients who would need surgery for their aching back could, in the future, be treated with drugs.

Housecall for Health, I’m Marghiee Teshineh, FOX News Radio.

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They may be pretty, but they also may be dangerous. The latest trend in beauty: eyelash extensions, could cause health issues.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLEYELASHES_050913.mp3)

A new report suggests the big beauty trend of eyelash extensions could be dangerous.

The process involves gluing synthetic fibers to natural lashes. But Consumer Reports says the adhesives are formaldehyde-based, and can cause allergic reactions.

Extensions can also irritate the cornea, and put women at risk for bacterial and fungal infection.

The College of Optometrists in England warn the fad may result in damaging the hair follicle, leaving no natural lashes at all.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

For more on this story, visit foxnewshealth.com

Click HERE for more information from Consumer Reports

FOX’s Colleen Cappon has more in today’s edition of “Housecall For Health”:

Download audio file (HousecallSleepCancer_050913.mp3)

New research in the journal Sleep suggests insomnia can double the risk of prostate cancer in older men. Study authors from the University of Iceland are unsure of the reason, but scientists suspect it has to do with the lack of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep; which has been shown to suppress tumor growth when at normal levels. Previous studies show the same link in breast cancer in women.

Housecall For Health. I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

Cleaning a baby’s pacifier is important to keeping a child healthy, and parents who use their own mouths to clean it, may be giving their kid an extra health boost.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon explain in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLPACIFIERS_050613.mp3)

New research finds babies whose pacifiers were cleaned with parent’s saliva may have a lower risk of asthma.

A study from Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital in Sweden shows when parents suck on their infants’ pacifiers to clean them, mouth microbes transfer from parent to baby, helping boost the bacterial diversity of the digestive system.

Researchers say they need to analyze other possible causes, but the practice may be worth trying.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

Drug company Pfizer has announced they will begin selling the little blue pill, Viagra, online.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (04626_20130506.mp3)

Men too embarrassed to get Viagra at the store now have an alternative: buying it online.

In a first for the drug industry, Pfizer has announced they’ll begin selling the erectile dysfunction pill on its website. Patients will still need a prescription, and those who order online are even eligible for discounts.

Pfizer hopes the move will help stop counterfeit online pharmacies. And healthcare experts say if it works, other drug companies are likely to join them.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer a serious knee injury, but a new study is finding that many non-athletes are going through the long, arduous process of ACL surgery unnecessarily.

FOX News Radio’s Chris Hoenig reports in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLACLCH_5213.mp3)

At least half of all ACL reconstructions are unnecessary.

(Bogden) “Especially if they’re only having a moderately-active lifestyle that doesn’t include a lot of jumping, they might get by just fine without surgery.”

That’s according to a Swedish study published in the British Medical Journal.  Physical therapist Mike Bogden says those who sustain injuries only to the ACL can probably just rehab it.

(Bodgen) “A lot of instability training to try to throw you off base and try to teach your body to compensate for that stability that was lost.”

ACL reconstructions usually require anywhere from four months to a year or more of PT.

Housecall for Health, I’m Chris Hoenig, FOX News Radio.

Catching a quick snooze could be the gateway to a healthier you.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon has more the benefits of a nap in today’s edition of “Housecall For Health”:

Download audio file (Housecall_050213.mp3)

New research suggests you can nap your way to better health. A study from The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California finds many of the restorative benefits you get from a full night’s sleep, can also be achieved by napping. Data shows a 20 to 30 minute nap in the early afternoon can improve learning, complex motor skills and muscular precision. Napping can even keep stress hormones in check, potentially preventing diabetes and heart disease.

Housecall For Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.

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When it comes to allergies, new research suggests where you grow up matters and Americans, in particular, have it bad.

FOX’s Colleen Cappon has the reason why in today’s “Housecall for Health”:

Download audio file (HOUSECALLALLERGIESCC_43013.mp3)

New research suggests where you were born can increase your risk of allergic disease, specifically the United States.  A Northwestern University study surveyed 80,000 children and found that kids born abroad are half as likely to develop asthma and allergies.

Researchers say the reason may be the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests U.S. children are too clean and their immune systems don’t get exposed to common allergens.

Housecall for Health, I’m Colleen Cappon, FOX News Radio.