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HealthBeat Wrap: SAMe, Super Pill, Due Dates
POSTED: 1:55 pm EDT May 5,
2004
UPDATED: 3:10 pm EDT May 5,
2004
On Wednesday's HealthBeat Wrap NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that a new pill may help shed pounds and a smoking habit while helping your heart, a supplement on your drug store shelf may help curb depression, and you may be more likely to have a baby girl, if you're past your due date.
The study of almost all U.S. babies born from 1990-2001 found that babies born three weeks early are 15 percent more likely to be boys, and babies born three weeks late are 12 percent
more likely to be girls.
A popular supplement may help curb depression, according to new research.With 40 percent of patients taking antidepressants, or SSRIs, not reporting much relief, researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital added the over-the-counter supplement SAMe to medicines including Prozac and Paxil.In half the patients studied, the combined treatment fully control symptoms like depressed mood, sleep problems and anxiety."This could be a very effective treatment for folks who still have depression, despite treatment
with SSRIs," said Dr. George Papakostas of Massachusetts General Hospital.The National Institute of Mental Health launched a large five-year study to explore the benefits of SAMe.
Boy Or Girl?
A new study showed girls are more likely to arrive late than boys -- at least when it comes to childbirth.SAMe
Resources Sam-E Study Information: 1-877-55-BLUES |
Super Pill?
A new pill could be the next big drug in cardiac protection, weight loss, smoking cessation and diabetes prevention.Initial results on Rimonabant show that it can regulate chemical imbalances in the brain and body."This definitely seems to me to be like a wonder drug, in that it has so many effects all at the same time," said Harvard Medical School's Dr. Christopher Cannon.In clinical studies, overweight patients lost an average 20 pounds and 3 1/2 inches, good cholesterol was boosted by 23 percent and triglycerides dropped 15 percent.A new study is investigating whether Rimonabant reduces plaque buildup in arteries. If final studies go well, this super pill may be available by prescription within two years.Copyright 2004 by TheBostonChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.









