To better understand fibromyalgia, San Diego medical experts answer some frequently asked questions about the disorder. WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?   CHRONIC PAIN - Along with several medications, gentle stretching and meditation have helped Mary Zeigler cope with the fibromyalgia pain and stiffness she experiences daily. CNS Photo by Crissy Pascual.  Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome or disorder characterized by widespread muscle aches, tenderness, fatigue and sleep disturbances. "We used to think it was a muscle and ... [full story]

If statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are to be believed, then there's an even chance that you, like half of all Americans, are overweight. New research published March 26 in the online edition of the journal Neurology shows that the extra weight we carry around our bellies when we are in our 40s can lead to an increased risk of dementia when we reach our 70s. Scientists in Northern California ... [full story]

THE MOVES: Stretching the hip flexor using a bench and a press-up motion.   HIP FLEX - To stretch the hip flexor, firefighter Jeff Akens lies face down on a bench with one leg to the side of the bench. The stretch is achieved by pressing the chest up and keeping the pelvis flat on the bench. CNS Photo by Michael Franklin.  WORKS ON: Stretches the hip flexor and opens the chest. PRECAUTIONS: Do not perform this ... [full story]

  Marijuana is the single most-used illicit drug in the United States. The marijuana plant contains 400 chemicals; researchers have been working to explain how they affect the body.  [full story]

A dramatic gene therapy trial at University of California San Diego that involved injecting skin cells containing human nerve growth factor into the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease may have taken a significant step forward.   FIGHTING ALZHEIMER'S - Adam Fleisher, an assistant professor of neuroscience who is directing new research to cure Alzheimer's disease, talks about his team's efforts. Listening are Eileen Greenwald, who received the experimental therapy, and her husband, Hugh. CNS Photo ... [full story]

CORVALLIS, Ore. - U.S. researchers say further studies are needed to determine if there is any benefit, or harm, to the elderly in taking gingko biloba.The researchers conducted a three-year study involving 118 people over age 85 with no memory problems. Half took ginkgo biloba extract three times a day and half took a placebo. The study, published online in the journal Neurology, found 21 people developed mild memory problems; 14 of those had taken the ... [full story]

Along comes more evidence that suggests you will live longer and more productively if you get up off your sofa and exercise moderately. A large study, presented Feb. 20 at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2008 in New Orleans, followed 60,000 men and women for an average of 18 years. It found a significant connection between a moderate level of cardiorespiratory fitness and a reduction of the risk of stroke, the No. 3 ... [full story]

The moves: Performing a side bend while in a side plank position.   GOING TO THE CORE - To help increase core and shoulder strength and stability, firefighter Jay Albrandt assumes the side plank position with his feet stacked and dips his hips toward the floor until a slight stretch is felt. CNS Photo by Michael Franklin.  Works on: Core strength, shoulder strength and stability. Level: Advanced. Precautions: Do not attempt this exercise if you have a ... [full story]

In 2004, fewer than two-thirds of heart attack patients at Palomar Medical Center underwent a highly recommended emergency procedure to open clogged arteries within two hours of arriving at the Southern California hospital.   BONUS BUCKS - The pay-for-performance movement is spreading in health care, but studies show mixed results. CNS illustration by Jacie Landeros.   A year later, that number had risen to three out of four. Much of the credit for the improvement was given to ... [full story]

  Diabetes complications are caused by damage to the blood vessels and nerves. If it is not controlled, diabetes can cause complications that can affect nearly every organ in the body. Good diabetes management can help reduce the risk.  [full story]

Eating disorders are complex, serious health problems that affect 7 million women and girls in the US. They can occur in women—and men—of all ages and backgrounds, but most often develop in young women between ages 11 and 20. Anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating are the three main types of eating disorders. People with these conditions are obsessed with food and body weight. They often have a distorted view of their body shape, have low ... [full story]

In recent months, concern has risen over the use of polycarbonate plastic bottles that contain Bisphenol A or BPA, a man-made chemical classified as an endocrine disruptor.   NASTY FORMULA - Plastic with BPA, a man-made chemical of concern, is commonly used in products like reusable water containers such as baby bottles, food can linings, water pipes and dental sealants. CNS Photo.    MEDTRONICA - The Family Practice Notebook Web site at fpnotebook.com contains roughly 5,000 topics divided ... [full story]

Even though over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen are sold without prescription, you would be mistaken to think that they are completely harmless. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter medicines - from headache relievers to cough and cold remedies to sleep aids. It is also found in combination with many prescription painkillers, such as codeine. Because it is so readily available, people often fail to realize that they are taking it in dangerous amounts. ... [full story]