Research suggests that riding a bike for long periods can cause temporary erectile difficulties, explains "What to Do about Erectile Dysfunction," a new report from Harvard Medical School. The risk appears highest among men who cycle more than three hours a week. Sitting on a bicycle for a long time puts pressure on the perineum, the area between the genitals and anus. This pressure can harm nerves and temporarily impede blood flow, causing tingling or ... [full story]

Lung Cancer Alliance Launches National Public Awareness Campaign Three of the most recognized names in professional sports are teaming up in the fight against the nation's number-one cancer killer -- lung cancer. Hall of Fame Quarterback Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr., and Emmy-award winning sportscaster Joe Buck, have joined Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to advocating for people living with lung cancer or those at ... [full story]

MEDTRONICA Dr. Driving www.drdriving.org Worldwide, roughly 1.5 million people are killed each year in traffic accidents, usually due to driver error. Learn more about how to avoid such a fate and phenomena like road rage at this broad-based Web site. I'LL DRINK TO THAT Coffee apparently has its perks. According to Food Technology magazine, recent studies combined with research over the last 30 years show that moderate consumption of coffee - and thus, caffeine - ... [full story]

Although she has been running competitively for four years, in late summer while preparing for the Chicago Marathon, Terri Angot-Lewis hurt her foot and had to take a two-month break. Angot-Lewis, 42, felt she may have been pushing herself too far and sought expert advice from Dr. Linda Braastad of Peak Exercise Performance in Peoria, Ill. Braastad conducted a simple 10-minute test, which confirmed that she had indeed been over-exercising. AIMING FOR EFFICIENCY - Margo Grinstead, far ... [full story]

It's news that might make soccer moms sit up and take notice. Young soccer players made 1.6 million emergency room visits between 1990 and 2003, according to a review published Feb. 1 in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, reviewed pediatric, soccer-related data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance System. The NEISS collects information ... [full story]

Study of U.S. pediatric soccer injuries shows higher rate for girls than boys Girl soccer players may be sustaining more injuries than boys, but boys are twice as likely to be hospitalized for their injuries, according to the first comprehensive look at U.S. emergency room data on youth soccer injuries. The review appears in the February issue of The American Journal of Sports Medicine. Coauthors Robert E. Leininger, Christy L. Knox, MA, and R. ... [full story]

Upward Trend Contrary to Decline in Deaths from Other Cancers Deaths from liver cancer increased over the past year in both men and women, reported the American Liver Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and research on behalf of the 30 million Americans affected by liver disease. This is despite recent news focusing on the overall decline in the number of deaths due to most cancers. "We are overjoyed at the ... [full story]

True to your New Year's promise, you've been a dieting angel, munching fruit and veggies and swigging bottles of cold water. But, in truth, you'd kill for a Snickers bar right now. MINDFUL MUNCHING - Trying to eat right this year? Don't let your willpower wimp out just yet. There's more to satisfying, low-calorie foods than just celery and carrots sticks. A handful of almonds, for instance, is an interesting and tasty low-cal snack. CNS ... [full story]

MEDTRONICA HealthCentral www.healthcentral.com This Web site covers medicine broadly, with the day's top health-related news stories and features on "what's hot." Keep in mind those "what's hot" stories are sponsored by specific groups, who may have a specific agenda to sell. GROWING UP, GROWING OLD - A recent Stanford University study found no evidence that the human growth hormone has any significant effect upon the aging process. CNS Photo. MEDTRONICA - The www.healthcentral.com Web site offers ... [full story]

Thanks to modern science and an abundance of research, staying healthy has never been easier. Or more confusing. Medical studies, most often presented to the public in 30-second sound bites, frequently seem to contradict each other, adding frustration to an already perplexed consumer. TAKES DISCIPLINE - There is a long list of health advice out there for the average consumer. What is a health-conscious person to believe? CNS Illustration by Cristina Martinez Byvik.First we heard: ... [full story]

As dentist Alexander Sabet poked around Lynn Tobias' mouth during a recent examination, his patient took extra care to note his every word and action. "He looked me in the eyes and listened to what I had to say, and he spoke in clear, easy-to-understand terms," Tobias later recalled. That was good news for Sabet, who's spent the last few months working to soften his "strictly business" bedside manner. GOOD MEDICINE - Mystery shopper Lynn Tobias fills out ... [full story]

The American Cancer Society recently announced some happy news: Statistics show that deaths from cancer have declined for two straight years. Not only have the number of deaths gone down, but they've gone down significantly. According to Cancer Statistics 2007, there were 3,014 fewer cancer deaths in 2004, the most recent year for which complete statistics are available, compared with 2003. The report is published in the January/February issue of the journal CA: A Cancer ... [full story]

Many workers spend all day sitting at their desks. A simple stretching exercise can help work the kinks out. THE MOVE: Hip flexor stretching with a chair. WORKS ON: Stretching the muscles that lift your leg forward (hip flexor muscles). These muscles are at your front thigh and in front of your hip joint. These muscles get tight and shortened with prolonged sitting posture. SET UP: Place left foot on a chair and right foot ... [full story]