Top 10 health stories of 2011: food chemicals, vitamin D and brain waves
Article on how EEGs can measure awareness of vegetative patients takes top spot
CBCNews.ca's list of the top 10 most-read health stories from 2011 is an interesting mix. From helping Canadians make informed choices about leading healthy lifestyles, boosting vitamin D levels, screening for cancer and lowering cholesterol, to cautionary tales about chemicals in food and avoiding certain medications for kids, the top health articles of the year showed a diversity of interests.
A piece on how Canadian researchers are using electroencephalography — a way of measuring electrical brain activity — to help determine whether patients in a vegetative state are actually aware, took top spot. For those wondering what it's like to be unconscious, yet still cognizant on some level, it was a hopeful glimpse into the workings of the mind.
- EEG shows awareness in some vegetative patients. Canadian researchers discover that the brains of patients in a vegetative state show signs of awareness.
- Avoid applying Vicks VapoRub to babies, pediatricians say. New data shows salve can irritate airways. Pediatricians don't recommend product for babies under age two.
- B.C. doctor ordered to stop anti-addiction tea use. A doctor who was using Amazonian tea to help cure addiction was asked by Health Canada to stop.
- Cholesterol: keeping your levels in check. Lowering your bad cholesterol (LDL) and raising good cholesterol (HDL) can lower your risk of heart disease.
- Breast cancer screening guide says skip exams. Routine mammograms, self-exams and MRIs are not needed for most women under 50, new guidelines say.
- Boning up on the sunshine vitamin. Canadians should consume 1,000 IU of Vitamin D in the fall and winter months to lower their risk of cancer and other diseases.
- Doctors see 'screaming man' in testicle scan. The disturbing image of a man appears during an ultrasound exam.
- Canadians aren’t eating well or working out enough, says a new report. Canadians have no time for healthy living.
- BPA levels jump after eating canned soup. A new study finds that the hormone-disrupting chemical is present in the urine of people who consume canned soup.
- OxyContin maker sends phase-out notice. Manufacturer says it will produce safer drug instead of Oxycontin.