There were more cases of sexually transmitted diseases reported in the United States last year than ever before, according to new federal data. Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis — three of the most common STDs — grew for the second consecutive year, with sharper increases in the West than other regions. The syphilis rate rose most sharply, by 19 percent. Public health officials are particularly worried about an increase in the number of babies whose mothers are passing it to them in utero, which can cause stillbirths and infant deaths.
Prostate treatment linked to dementia
Reducing testosterone levels with androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, is a common treatment for prostate cancer. But a new study has found that it more than doubles the risk of dementia. Patients who had been receiving ADT for a year or more had the highest increased risk.
Low-fat cheese may not be any healthier
Regular-fat cheese may be as healthy a choice as the low-fat version. In a 12-week study paid for by dairy industry organizations in Denmark and other countries, Danish researchers found no difference in LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels, triglycerides, insulin, fasting glucose or any of seven other measures of blood chemistry among participants eating regular-fat cheese, those eating low-fat cheese and a control group. Nor were there any significant changes in body weight.
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