Your Health

Spreading the Message One Test at a Time

June 26, 2007 · Recently, top black actors took public HIV tests to encourage one million African Americans to get screened. The event was held to recognize June 27th, National HIV Testing Day.

Health & Science

FDA Issues New Standards for Diet Supplements

June 23, 2007 · The Food and Drug Administration has delivered long-delayed rules on how diet supplements are manufactured, packaged and labeled. Critics say that the rules may help a little, but there is still no evidence that the widely used products are completely safe or effective.

Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal

June 21, 2007 · The SPF numbers on sunscreen bottles only refer to the level of protection against a type of radiation called UVB. But dermatologists say it's important to use a lotion that shields skin from UVA rays, too. Web Extra: Key Sunscreen Ingredients

A Little Safety Goes a Long Way with DIY

June 21, 2007 · Every year, thousands of do-it-yourselfers land in the emergency room from power-tool injuries. A look at which tools cause the most accidents, and tips on how to finish construction projects without ever seeing a hospital.

Study Revises Risk Factors for Women on Hormones

June 20, 2007 · Five years ago, the mammoth Women's Health Initiative startled women and their doctors with the finding that women who take menopausal hormone supplements have a higher risk of heart disease. Now, researchers from the same study say hormone therapy lowers the risk for some women.

Food

Russ Parsons: In Search of Quality Produce

June 20, 2007 · Food and wine columnist Russ Parsons wrote How to Pick a Peach. He searches for top-quality fruits and vegetables and lists the reasons why supermarket produce is not always the best. Web Extra: Excerpt, Recipes

Health Care

More Drugs to Fight Diabetes Are On the Way

June 19, 2007 · In 2005, Americans spent almost $10 billion on diabetes drugs — and that is supposed to increase over the next two years. Later this week in Chicago, drug companies will release new diabetes drugs they hope will fuel the spending surge.

Technology

Are Computer Keyboards Dishwasher Safe?

June 14, 2007 · We put pots, dishes and silverware in the dishwasher. But a computer keyboard? Although manufacturers warn against it, NPR's Nell Boyce puts her keyboard in the dishwasher, and it lives to type the story.

Fortified Foods: Helpful, or Just Harmless?

June 12, 2007 · Americans have been adding vitamins and minerals to food for more than 80 years to prevent vitamin deficiencies. Two new studies review the addition of folic acid and iron to foods and whether or not the effect is beneficial.

Health & Science

Tainted Spinach Spurs Testing Program

June 4, 2007 · Produce companies are trying to guard against the contamination of fruits and vegetables by bacteria. They have begun an ambitious testing program to head off problems.

Nation

U.S. Faces Critical Shortage of Nurses

June 3, 2007 · The demand for nurses is soaring, but it isn't easy to get into nursing school these days because there aren't enough teachers.

Nation

How to Get Enough Nurses?

June 3, 2007 · Dr. Mary Jane Williams has been teaching nursing in Connecticut for more than 30 years. She talks with host Debbie Elliott about how to remedy the shortage of nurse educators.