Life Insurance Quote Overview

Music lovers with pacemakers should think twice

Headphones connected to MP3 music players have become a ubiquitous feature of modern life. You see them everywhere, on all types of people.

Less than 7.5 hours per night may cause problems

There may be greater consequences to short-changing yourself on sleep than falling asleep at meetings.

Only 6 states have excellent sites, 18 inadequate

When it comes to selecting the right insurance policy, consumers need as much clear, concise information as possible. A study released by the Consumer Federation of America suggests they aren't getting it from their states.

A banana a day may keep the paramedics away

As a risk factor for high blood pressure, low levels of potassium in the diet may be as important as high levels of sodium -- especially among African Americans, according to research being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 41st Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in Philadelphia.

Study found benefits even in those with normal cholesterol levels

Many practicing physicians have long thought that statins -- drugs used to cut cholesterol -- are so beneficial that nearly everyone should take them, and a new study lends some support to that informal observation.

Florida study finds benefits in testing older drivers

A vision screening law targeting Florida drivers age 80 and older appears to be associated with lower death rates from car accidents involving older drivers.

Lack of uniform standards for EKGs can cause mistakes

You have a burning chest pain and a doctor looks at a squiggly-lined graph to determine the cause. That graph, an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), can help the doctor decide whether you're having a heart attack or an acid attack from last night's spaghetti.

Flavoring product contains toxic substance banned in U.S.

Tourists tempted to pick up bargains south of the border should beware of one bargain that isn't always a good buy -- so-called Mexican "vanilla."

Preliminary research shows fruit improves heart health

Could the fruit of the vine help fight high blood pressure related to a salty diet? And could eating grapes calm other factors that are also related to heart diseases such as heart failure? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests the answer to both questions is yes.

Consumer group says diabetes drug is too dangerous for use

The consumer group Public Citizen has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to institute an immediate ban of the diabetes drug Avandia. The group says the drug is dangerous and can cause death from liver failure and many other life-threatening risks.

More is not always better when it comes to medicine, surgery

If you believe more is better, when it comes to health care, you should consider this:

Treatment for seniors hit $196 billion in 2007

Six major illnesses common among Americans age 65 and older cost more than $196 billion in 2007, according to estimates by researchers at RTI International. That's not good news for the nation's healthcare system, considering the large baby boom population is advancing into older age.

Q. I'm a social drinker who has several glasses of wine every evening, but I'm told I can avoid any liver damage if I drink plenty of coffee. Sounds ridiculous. What do you think?

New study challenges assumptions about health care crisis

The 47 million Americans who lack health insurance are the reason emergency rooms are crowded all the time -- right? And only the uninsured visit the emergency department for minor complaints, because it's easier than going to a doctor -- right?

Children of middle-class families as likely to go without as poor

It isn't just children in poor families that often aren't covered by health insurance. Uninsured children in families earning between approximately $38,000 and $76,000 a year are about as likely to go without any health care as uninsured children in poorer families.

Younger children at particular risk for long-term damage

Health experts long ago concluded that breathing in second-hand cigarette smoke is bad for you. Now, a new study suggests it may be worse for children than adults.

Middle-aged whites become newest at-risk group

Teen suicide gets plenty of airtime, but a new U.S. study finds that middle-aged whites are an emerging high-risk group.

Insulin and other "homegrown" meds not as safe as you think

A study in the October 22/29 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that roughly 25 percent of biological medicinal products--things like antibodies, enzymes and insulin--approved since 1995 in the U.S. and Europe have had at least one safety-related regulatory action issued for them 10 years after their approval, including about 11 percent receiving a "black box" warning.

Many treatments have not been adequately evaluated before use

While treatment options for prostate problems have expanded over the last few yearsthe German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care warns that some new surgical techniques are being heavily promoted without first having been adequately evaluated.

Combination with bad diet can easily lead to weight gain

A new study may shed light on why Americans have started packing on the pounds over the last two decades. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health suggests eating too much fructose can induce leptin resistance, a condition that can easily lead to becoming overweight when combined with a high-fat, high-calorie diet.