Mumps outbreak 57 cases of the mumps have been reported in one Brooklyn neighborhood. In the past week doctors have diagnosed twenty cases. Health department officials believe the outbreak started when one child made a visit to England and caught the illness. Many people are concerned about how someone can get the mumps even after being vaccinated. "We do know with mumps 1 in every 20 people may not develop protective antibodies," Jane Zucker said. Health officials say the mumps is easily spread through sneezing and coughing.
Vaccine Shortage The Arkansas Department of health is now allowing children up to 18 years old with underlying medical conditions get vaccinated with the H1N1 virus. At first health officials had planned to let only pregnant women and children between the ages of six months to four years get the vaccine. In New Mexico doctors say it will be weeks before the general public can get the H1N1 vaccine. Doctors at three Albuquerque hospitals say their intensive care units are strained because of patients with swine flu complications.
Cocoa is good for your heart Some sweet news for all you chocolate lovers. Spanish researchers say cocoa in chocolate is good for the heart. The study discovered that cocoa reduces inflammation associated with heart disease. Doctors gave a group 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder for a month. Everyone in the group experienced some sort of positive anti-inflammatory response.
Doctor on Call: Q: I know I should drink as much water as possible. When I add the calorie-free flavor packets am I getting the same benefits as if I were drinking it plain?
Christin
Hot Springs
A: Dr. Hutch from St. Vincent hospital says. A package with no sugar or calories will give you the same benefits as plain water. Some now even add vitamins. Packets with caffeine won't give you the same benefit because caffeine is a diuretic causing you to lose water from your body.
