Health Buzz: Running, Your Knees, and Other Health News

By U.S. News Staff

Posted: August 25, 2008

Runners, Listen to Your Knees

Does running ruin your bones and joints? While scientific evidence says no, plenty of people blame running for just that. On Fitness columnist Katherine Hobson talked to two orthopedic surgeons to get to the heart of the matter. One surgeon is nonrunner Michael Klassen of Monterey Peninsula Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute in Monterey, Calif., who'd rather ski or golf. The other, Peter Gerbino, of Monterey Joint Replacement and Sports Medicine, does run for fitness.

For more: Hobson wrote recently about how to start up a running routine if you're a newbie to the sport and about injuries commonly seen in female athletes.

Medical Care for the Uninsured: It Keeps Rising

Uninsured Americans will pay approximately $30 billion personally on medical care this year, according to a new study from George Mason University researchers and think tank The Urban Institute. The Wall Street Journal reports that the study, to be released today, also notes that government and other groups will pay an additional $56 billion for uninsured Americans to receive medical are.

Last week, Michelle Andrews offered four ways to save on medical bills. When you or someone you love is sick, the last thing you want to think about is how you're going to pay for it all. But avoiding the problem won't make it go away. Need some help? The Access Project offers free assistance to help consumers deal with medical debt.

Is Autism Behind the Rise of New Cases of Measles?

The New York Times reports that the number of cases of measles in the first half of this year is higher than in the same period of any other year since 1996, and health officials are worried parents are not vaccinating their children against the disease because of a fear of autism.

Medical evidence suggests that genes, not vaccines, are behind the onset of autism. But some parents, one doctor tells the Times, would rather beat measles than deal with autism—regardless of the recent studies' results.

Discuss your thoughts on autism on a U.S. News discussion board. U.S. News offers extensive information on both measles and autism, including recent articles and analysis.

Is Autism Behind the Rise in the Number of Cases of Measles?

Your comment is nonsensical. At the time of going to press there are no identified autism genes though most people agree that there may be some genetic predisposition towards environmental damage (as for instance in the Hannah Poling case, and mitochondrial dysfuntion).

As to the rise in measles I don't think you can say more than that more cases are being confirmed by health officials trying to push the vaccine programme, and that MMR may not be as effective as they pretend (in the UK officials have been ordering double vaccinations in measles affected areas).

There is every reason to be more concerned at the spread of autism than measles, and the fact that the officials from the CDC and AAP don't see it that way detracts vastly from their credibility. Almost no one is dying from measles and autism is a life sentence.

John Stone @ Aug 25, 2008 14:15:54 PM

Measles

Please research your opinions before you declare "evidence".

Numerous studies including one from Wake Forest University have found persistent measles virus, of the same strain as the MMR, causing hyperplasia in the GI systems of Autistic children.

It has literally been found in their spinal fluid.

... Stephen J. Walker, Ph.D., an assistant professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Walker and colleagues have issued an abstract to be presented at this week’s International Meeting for Autism Research, indicating that a high percentage of autistic children that they have tested with chronic bowel disease show evidence of measles virus in their intestines.

Why has the media failed to understand the breech of confidence here? Studied viral damage to the gut and brain better?

Are pharmaceutical ad revenues at risk?

Vaccines do not insure 100% immunity.

The Iowa mumps outbreak and recent outbreaks of chicken pox were among the vaccinated as well as unvaccinated.

This is nothing more than an attempt to promote a bloated vaccine schedule that appears to be failing.

Vaccines should be regulated by independent agencies for safety.

They should be Mercury and toxin free before they are injected in our young infants. Infants who are not allowed solid food, peanuts, cow's milk, eggs and honey until age one.

Parents should be free to govern their children's health and not subject to mandates from agencies entwined with the vaccine industry.

The heavily conflicted CDC that both promotes and regulates vaccines cannot be trusted. How can we ever expect an unbias answer from them.

It's time to put our children before the almighty Pharmaceutical dollar!!!

Pay now or pay later, as the rates climb to 1:150, 1:80 BOYS 1:40 twins!!!

Karen Atlanta of GA @ Aug 25, 2008 14:08:47 PM

AUTISM

U.S. News tells us that genes, not vaccines, are the cause of autism, yet your own health editor, Dr. Bernadine Healy told the public on CBS Evening News in May that the studies have not been done that would disprove a link between vaccines and autism. She admonished officials for talking like they had.

Anne Dachel

Media editor

Age of Autism

Anne McElroy Dachel of WI @ Aug 25, 2008 13:24:44 PM

Add Your Thoughts
About You

advertisement

U.S. News Rankings & Research

Best Hospitals
Best Hospitals

See the best hospitals, and the best children's hospitals, in specialties from cancer to urology.

Best Health Plans
Best Health Plans

U.S. News and NCQA review over 700 health insurance plans in the Best Health Plan rankings.

Best Nursing Homes
Best Nursing Homes

The Best Nursing Homes rankings feature data on 15,000-plus homes. Search for one near you.

Disease & Condition Center
Diseases & Conditions

Get information on preventing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions. Centers:

advertisement

Featured Video

Weight Loss Tips

Put your kitchen on a diet before starting your own weight loss plan.

Strategies to Quit Smoking

See what smoking does to the body and learn ways to quit.

Learning About Depression

Depression is more than just a "down mood."

Set a Quit Day for Smoking

Picking the right day to quit smoking is an important first step.

Sponsored Poll

What factor do you think is responsible for the majority of teen-driving crashes?

View Results

advertisement

Subscribe

U.S. News Digital Weekly

A weekly insider's guide to politics and policy — in a multimedia, digital format. 52 issues for $19.95!

U.S. News & World Report

6 months of U.S. News & World Report's print edition for only $15. Save up to 67% off the cover price!