San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.comHealth Alert
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For many women, getting a mammogram is already one of life's more stressful experiences. Now, women in their 40s have the added anxiety of trying to figure out if they should even be getting one at all. More>>
Women don't need to start having mammograms to screen for breast cancer until they're 50, and they only need to have those exams every other year, new government guidelines suggest. More>>
The good news about diabetes is that it's treatable and in many cases preventable. More>>
How do you know if obtaining prescriptions online is safe? Learn how to choose a reliable and accredited pharmacy on the Web. More>>
Are you having irregular periods? Find out the possible causes. More>>
Government health officials say swine flu has sickened about 22 million Americans since April. More>>
For most kids, the school year means the spread of germs as students work in close quarters in the classroom. More>>
Learn how to check your blood pressure at home and what types of monitors you can buy. More>>
Sometimes a moisturizer just isn't enough to get rid of dry skin. Check out these new hydration how-to's that fight water loss and leave you with softer skin from head to toe. More>>
Rinsing sinuses with a saline solution might have soothing short-term benefits, but it could actually make you more prone to infections in the long run by stripping your nose of critical immune soldiers. More>>
Thousands of children in the county are getting the swine flu vaccine and they don't have to skip school or wait in long lines to receive it. County health is now offering swine flu shots and sprays at some local schools. More>>
Thinking about brightening your smile with a bleaching treatment? Talk to your dentist first. Not all whitening products are created equal, and not all of them are right for you. More>>
County health officials are warning anyone hoping to get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus that local clinics are out of the vaccine. More>>
The World Health Organization's flu chief said the swine flu virus has now become the predominant flu strain worldwide. More>>
Swine flu has appeared among Venezuela's Yanomami Indians, one of the largest isolated indigenous groups in the Amazon, and a doctor said Wednesday that the virus is suspected in seven deaths, including six infants. More>>
Learn how long the continuing coverage lasts-and what it might cost you. More>>
A 13-year-old Iowa cat has been infected with swine flu, veterinary and federal officials said Wednesday, and it is believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline. More>>
A school in 4-S Ranch is a test case for a new way to track sick students. UCSD researchers are gathering the data with the help of federal grants. More>>
A senior House lawmaker is asking Congress to guarantee paid sick leave to workers if their employer asks them to stay home with swine flu or a similar contagious illness. More>>
Independent health advisers begin monitoring safety of the swine flu vaccine on Monday, an extra step the government promised in this year's unprecedented program to watch for possible side effects. More>>
It's one of the leading causes of death in women - breast cancer. Sunday, thousands of San Diegans pounded the pavement for the 14th Annual Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" to help combat the disease. More>>
While a lot of focus has been put on seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus this fall, another virus has been hitting San Diegans hard, and the symptoms can be very dangerous. More>>
Calcium can help prevent and treat osteoporosis. What type is best for you? More>>
High blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, heart disease and even death and it can go undetected because there are few visible symptoms. More>>
Autism has now entered the swine flu discussion. For the past three years the state of California has protected pregnant women and children from receiving vaccinations with traces of mercury, but that law has been suspended due to the H1N1 pandemic. More>>
The number of students staying home sick with the flu is multiplying nationwide and normally quiet school nurses' offices suddenly look like big city emergency rooms, packed with students too ill to finish the day. More>>
Halloween is this Saturday, and that means children around San Diego are going door to door for candy. But the swine flu threat has many parents scared. More>>
Influenza continues to hit San Diegans hard, sending many of them to local clinics with a variety of symptoms. More>>
He was athletic, healthy and only 31 when the swine flu hit. A Tierrasanta man is lucky to be alive after battling H1N1. It was so bad, doctors were forced to put him into a coma. More>>
While acknowledging delays in getting the swine flu vaccine to Americans, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Monday that the vaccine "is coming out the door as fast as it comes off the production line." More>>
Having a sedentary lifestyle is a health risk. Learn about the benefits of exercise for seniors, including people with chronic conditions. More>>
Children are gaining weight at alarming rates. Healthier diets and regular exercise are needed to get and keep our kids healthy. More>>
President Barack Obama declared the swine flu outbreak a national emergency and empowered his health secretary to suspend federal guidelines at hospitals and speed up how infected people might receive treatment in a disaster. More>>
States across the country are struggling to fight the quickly spreading H1N1 virus. More>>
As many as one out of every five kids a some local schools are staying home sick, and health officials say it could be the swine flu. More>>
The federal government originally promised 120 million doses of swine flu vaccine by now. Only 13 million have come through. More>>
The government now hopes to have about 50 million doses of swine flu vaccine out by mid-November and 150 million in December. More>>
Three out of four Americans don't get enough vitamin D, increasing their risk of cancer, heart disease, even cold and flu. Learn more! More>>
Some people will try anything to keep from getting sick. An email is going around with a list of home remedies that supposedly can keep you from getting swine flu. More>>
After hitting different parts of the county over the past few weeks, it seems flu season had taken a hold of San Diego, and local clinics have the numbers to back that up. More>>
While no OTC product will protect you or your family 100% from coming down with H1N1, there are a few grocery store finds that may help you ward it off. More>>
You may not need an invasive test after all. Learn more about CTA, a new test that can detect heart disease quickly and easily. More>>
The Obama administration has decided it will no longer prosecute medical marijuana users or suppliers, provided they obey the laws of states that allow use of the drug for medicinal purposes. More>>
Stress can have far-ranging negative effects on your health. Learn what happens when you live with long-term stress. More>>
A Carlsbad organization is using unique works of art to educate people about breast cancer in young women. More>>
Max Gomez was a bright-eyed 5-year-old happy to have just started kindergarten when he developed sniffles and a fever. His mother figured it was only a cold. More>>
A top U.S. health official says the risks from not getting the swine flu vaccine are greater than any potential risks associated with the vaccine. More>>
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to authorize a $5.5 million H1N1 virus vaccination program proposed by the county Health and Human Services Agency. More>>
Over the past century doctors have suspected that cancers can spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus, but a genetically confirmed case reported this week from Japan suggests the phenomenon is real. More>>
There's a health alert about MRSA and your pets, and cat owners need to be especially careful. More>>
One quarter of Americans sick enough to be hospitalized with swine flu last spring wound up needing intensive care and 7 percent of them died, the first such study of the early months of the global epidemic suggests. That's... More>>
As the first wave of swine flu vaccine crosses the country, more than a third of parents don't want their kids vaccinated, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll. More>>
When trick-or-treaters come calling, you don't have to fill their goody bags with unhealthy sweets. Here are some alternatives. More>>
Wondering if swine flu's bad enough to require a doctor's attention? An interactive Web site may help you decide, using the same type of triage calculations that doctors at Emory University use. More>>
The initial swine flu vaccine doses this week will be the nasal spray version, and arm injections will begin next week to help meet demand, health officials said Tuesday. More>>
Swine flu vaccinations began Monday with squirts up the noses of health care workers in Indiana, Illinois and Tennessee - it just tickled, shrugged one - as the government opened a massive effort to immunize over half the... More>>
Despite popular belief, excessive protein will not build and strengthen your muscles. Find out how much protein you need to get the most out of your workouts. More>>
Fortunately we each play a significant role in reducing our risk of contracting and spreading H1N1 swine flu. Avoiding these 8 germy surfaces can help you keep healthy and stave off the flu. More>>
While research has suggested that the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in American children was about 1 of every 150 children, a new government study estimates that the prevalence is more likely about 1 in every 91 children. More>>
Being fat in middle age may slash women's chances of making it to their golden years in good health by almost 80 percent, a new study says. More>>
If excess weight doesn't kill you by old age, it could make your life miserable in the form of chronic health problems and impaired mental fitness. More>>
The common cold and flu - both the seasonal and the new swine flu - are caused by different viruses but can have some similar symptoms, making them tough to tell apart. In general, the flu is worse and symptoms are more... More>>
There is a health alert regarding a very serious infection showing up more and more in San Diego County. It's called MRSA and what makes it so serious is that it can be very difficult to treat. More>>
You don't have to suffer with chronic pelvic pain. Learn about this condition and prepare for your doctor visit. More>>
Higher levels of vitamin D are linked to less severe, less deadly melanoma lesions in people with skin cancer, new research suggests. More>>
Johnson&Johnson's McNeil unit is voluntarily recalling 57 lots of infants' and children's liquid Tylenol products because of possible bacterial contamination. More>>
If you have been diagnosed with cancer, it's wise to get a second opinion before you begin treatment. More>>
Localities that ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places witness a quick drop in heart attacks, two new studies show. More>>
Remember that marvelously glowing skin we used to have as teenagers? You can reclaim your natural glow and keep it by trying these skin-saving dermatologist tricks. More>>
If your goal is to keep the weight off after dieting a new study says you need to stay on the treadmill. More>>
If you doubt that lack of health insurance can have deadly consequences, consider these new findings: Americans without health insurance are 40 percent more likely to die than those with private insurance. More>>
Sore throats are sending many San Diegans to their doctors looking for some relief. More>>
In light of Patrick Swayze's death, many people are wondering about pancreatic cancer. Here is some information about the risks and symptoms of the disease. More>>
It's a common cause of infertility and a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, yet most women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) don't know it. More>>
Decades of steady progress against heart disease may be on the wane, experts say, with a new study showing that only 7.5 percent of Americans are now in the clear when it comes to heart disease risk factors. More>>
Before you and your child head out for a night of trick or treat, make sure you choose a Halloween costume that will keep your child safe. More>>
Halloween can be great fun for children and parents alike. But parents still need to enforce some rules to help ensure a safe night of trick-or-treating. More>>
Low testosterone levels can lead to several health problems. Is testosterone replacement therapy the answer? More>>
A new study tightens the suspected link between a virus and prostate cancer, and raises the possibility that infection with the virus could be an indicator of aggressive tumors that require swift treatment. More>>
Attention Women: Here are some ways to manage or counteract stroke risks. More>>
Consider visiting a mental health counselor if you are feeling depressed, lost, anxious, angry or helpless. Learn more about the types of therapy available. More>>
Men who avoid doctors may pay the price. Thankfully, women can be a good influence when it comes to taking care of their health. More>>
As clusters of H1N1 swine flu break out on U.S. college campuses, school administrators are beefing up efforts to encourage students to take preventative steps to keep the virus from spreading further. More>>
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. More>>
As San Diegans continue to enjoy the great outdoors during our warm summer weather, there's a reminder to be aware of your surroundings. More>>
Medical identity theft is a growing national concern. It can be costly and harmful to your health. Learn how to protect yourself. More>>
Medics and doctors are used to participating in a flurry of activity when trying to save a person who's had a cardiac arrest. But studies now show that none of those advanced techniques saves lives as well as ordinary cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. More>>
Want to live longer? Surround yourself with friends and loved ones. People with strong social ties live longer and recover more quickly from illness than those without a support system, proving good friends may be the best medicine of all. More>>
Hospitals are supposed to be where you go to get well. But according to the Centers for Disease Control, more than one million people a year are getting sick from infections they're picking up in the hospital. More>>
Learn what happens to your body after the birth of your baby. More>>
Learn how keeping your child from overeating can prevent weight management problems in the future. More>>
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Learn how it is diagnosed and treated - and what you can do to prevent it. More>>
An aching back when you walk may be due to spinal stenosis. Read about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of spinal stenosis. More>>
People regularly turn to the Internet for games and gossip, news and entertainment, essential information and high weirdness. And now, apparently, for their health as well. More>>
Learn how this chronic and painful condition is diagnosed, and how you can get relief from symptoms. More>>
Here's a primer that tells you about allergies, what happens in the body and what symptoms are dangerous. More>>
Find out the risks of high blood pressure and the bonus of lowering blood pressure. More>>
These tips can ensure that your child's diet is well-rounded and full of the nutrients he needs. More>>
You can't believe everything you hear when it comes to exercise. Dispel the myths before you start working out - and you'll be more likely to stick to your routine. More>>
Concierge medicine prides itself on personalized, lavish services. But is it worth the price? Find answers to boutique medicine FAQs here. More>>
Learn how to reduce your chances of developing this serious disease. More>>
Children of all ages are heading back to school, so now is a good time to make sure that your kids are fully vaccinated. Online tools and information from CDC can help parents and doctors keep children up to date with the vaccines they need. More>>
The leading cause of accidental poisonings among American children can be found in the family medicine cabinet, a new government report shows. More>>
For the first time, researchers have found evidence that the AIDS virus traveled from gorilla to human, another confirmation that the disease continues to evolve even as scientists race to vanquish it. More>>
International cancer experts have moved tanning beds and ultraviolet radiation into the top cancer risk category deeming both to be definite causes of cancer. More>>
A 65-year-long study finds that people who took in lots of calcium and dairy products as children tended to avoid stroke and live longer than those who didn't. More>>
Doctors have been unable to help injured heart tissue renew itself after a heart attack -- until now. More>>
In this week's What's Going Around, there's a reminder for parents about keeping their children's vaccines up to date. More>>
You've heard about cholesterol and know that you have to "watch it" to stay healthy. But what is cholesterol, and what exactly are you watching? More>>
These days, the headlines are all the same: unemployment rates are up, consumer confidence is down, and the global economy is still struggling. However, new studies suggest that a recession can actually be good for your health in more ways than one. More>>
Most people in the U.S. who try to buy health insurance on their own never end up getting coverage, often because the premiums are just too expensive. More>>
U.S. health officials said Friday that development of a vaccine for the H1N1 swine flu is on track, with the first doses possibly ready by the fall. More>>
It sounds like something out of a science fiction movie: surgery performed by a robot. At one local hospital, it's a reality. Real life doctors are getting a helping hand from a robotic surgeon. More>>
Two more deaths related to the swine flu have been reported in San Diego County this week, but the number of cases may never be known. Unless a patient requires hospitalization, local doctors don't test them and can only guess that the flu-like symptoms they are seeing in their clinics are related to the H1N1 virus. More>>
In an effort to reduce salmonella, E. coli and other outbreaks of food-borne illness, U.S. health officials on Tuesday announced a series of new safety standards. More>>
They're the biggest seller at Petco Park, and a staple of American baseball. But now an anti-cancer group is demanding warning signs at major league ballparks after a study pointed to hot dogs as a cancer risk. More>>
It may officially be summer, but it's still cold season for many San Diegans, especially in the east and south parts of the county. More>>
The U.S. government issued final guidelines Monday describing which embryonic stem cell lines will be eligible for government funding, effectively expanding the universe of stem cells that can be used for research. More>>
A new report claims a cream used to treat people for skin cancer may have good side effects. The study shows not only does it kill cancer cells, but also takes years off a patient's appearance. More>>
Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. It's time for the nation's annual obesity rankings and, outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. More>>
Two people with swine flu died in San Diego County last week, and local doctors continue to see patients with symptoms similar to what's also called the H1N1 virus. More>>
With a worldwide pandemic under way and more than a million Americans sickened by the new swine flu, the special nature of this disease is becoming better understood. More>>
Deanna Babcock's heart stopped beating on July 20, 2007. Just like that. Jim Stoltz's heart stopped on July 20, 2008. Both Babcock and Stoltz were victims of sudden cardiac arrest. More>>
A new cancer drug called olaparib worked well in an early clinical trial against breast, ovarian and prostate cancers in individuals who were genetically vulnerable to developing these malignancies. More>>
It's officially summer in San Diego County and area doctors are seeing symptoms of it - especially in south San Diego. More>>
People who visit their primary care physician for routine blood tests or screenings are often not informed of the results, a new study finds. More>>
WASHINGTON (AP) - Drinking during pregnancy can seriously harm a baby's brain, yet thousands of mothers-to-be still do. Now scientists have begun testing whether a prenatal nutrient might offer those babies a little protection, part of a growing quest for ways to reverse the damage. More>>
Dogs and cats can spread MRSA to people and apparently this happening more and more. More>>
County health officials are encouraging San Diegans to take precautions against the swine flu and are warning of a possible year-round flu season. More>>
'WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumers should stop using Zicam Cold Remedy nasal gel and related products because they can permanently damage the sense of smell, federal health regulators said. More>>
Have you noticed that the scale is tipping a little higher lately but don't know what to do? Here are some easy and effective ways to start a weight loss plan of action. More>>
Binge drinking among American college students is on the rise, along with its consequences of drunk driving and drinking-related deaths, U.S. health officials report. More>>
Let's face it, some of us feel a little self-conscious about working out in a pool. Here are some easy pool exercises to burn calories, improve balance and tone your body without drawing a lot of attention to yourself. More>>
Forget about joining a gym. If you want to get into shape, all you need is a four-legged pal. More>>
The U.S. Senate's historic vote late Thursday to give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration control over tobacco products brought cheers from health organizations across the country. More>>
The San Diego Police Department is warning the public after receiving reports of a scam targeting elderly Hispanic women at two local strip malls. More>>
It's a CBS smash hit. Since "The Mentalist" made its debut last season, the show has captured a consistent top 10 spot in the ratings, an Emmy nomination and the coveted Thursday 10 p.m. time slot. More>>
Big Red has now undergone a rare, life-altering surgery in the East County to repair a shattered leg and have a second chance at a good life. More>>
It sounds too good to be true. A new Walmart commercial claims you can feed your entire family a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for about $20. More>>
Three rewards totaling $16,000 were on offer today for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the "Geezer Bandit." More>>
At Crawford High School, welcome to Jonathan Winn's advanced calculus class. It's a class so popular and diverse it can't be confined to a single classroom or taught in a conventional method. More>>
The News 8 CrimeFighters need your help to identify a handful of suspected credit card thieves. El Cajon police have posted surveillance photos online, hoping somebody will recognize these criminals and come forward. More>>
