Health Buzz: Diabetes and Arthritis and Other Health News

Arthritis in Diabetics May Be a Barrier to Exercise

More than half of those with diabetes also have arthritis, which could be a barrier to getting regular exercise, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's weekly MMWR report. The prevalence of arthritis among diabetics was about 52 percent during 2005 and 2007, compared with about 30 percent for all adults over age 18. Physical activity is recommended for diabetics because it can help control blood glucose levels, improve cardiovascular disease outcomes, and reduce the odds of developing risk factors for complications.

The CDC explains how to manage arthritis. And U.S. News describes why exercise is important for diabetics and provides advice on how those with diabetes should deal with unplanned exercise.

Risks Warrant Pulling Birth Control Patch from Market, Group Says

A consumer advocacy group petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to remove Ortho Evra, the once-a-week birth control patch, from the market within six months because, the group says, it may cause a two-fold increase in the risk of blood clots. The FDA warned in January of a higher blood clot risk in patch users than in pill users. The agency approved labeling changes at that time to better warn patients and doctors of the risk.

Public Citizen filed the petition Thursday, saying that unpublished, recently released studies confirm that the patch has high estrogen content. It also carries an increased risk of side effects such as breast discomfort, severe menstrual pain, and nausea and vomiting, the group says. A spokeswoman for Ortho Women's Health & Urology, the maker of Ortho Evra, told the Associated Press that the patch is safe and effective when used according to directions.

Read Public Citizen's petition. Also, U.S. News describes birth control options other than the pill, and Deborah Kotz's On Women blog lists affordable birth control options.

Inexperience Is the No. 1 Cause of Teen Car Crashes

Car accidents are the leading cause of death and disability for teenagers; they die in crashes at four times the rate of adults. Yet many teenagers don't know what behaviors are most likely to cause an accident, according to a new survey published in the May issue of Pediatrics. Researchers polled 5,665 teens to find out what they thought were the riskiest driving behaviors. The answers may surprise you. For example, the No. 1 cause of crashes is inexperienced drivers, but teens seemed more in tune with the risks of drunk driving.

A U.S. News photo gallery describes the risks of teen driving. And even teenage passengers are at higher risk of dying in a car crash, mostly because they ride so often with young drivers and may not use seat belts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has a fact sheet on teen driving.

Calorie Counts Now on the Menu in New York City

In New York City, chain restaurants are now officially required to post calorie counts for the items on their menu boards, Katherine Hobson reports. U.S. News reported before about the reaction to this when it went into effect, and now violators are being cited, albeit with no real penalties until the summer.

It will be interesting to see if the news that Jamba Juice's 16-ounce Mango Peach Topper smoothie with granola contains 500 calories affects the number of people ordering it for breakfast. In the meantime, nutrition experts (and the restaurant industry, which is still fighting the New York City regulations) have other ideas about how restaurants could encourage diners to make more healthful food choices. U.S. News lists six ways restaurants could market good health.

—January W. Payne