For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Allison Chow.
From Washington, low levels of vitamin D in women diagnosed with breast cancer may increase the risk of death. In a study of over 500 women, those found to have a vitamin D deficiency were 94% more likely to have their cancer spread, and 73% more likely to die than those with sufficient vitamin D levels. However, the researchers caution that taking too much vitamin D can be toxic.
From Atlanta, the CDC is recommending that those over the age of 60 receive zostavax, the only vaccine available that protects against shingles. Research has shown that the vaccine can reduce the occurrence of shingles by 50% in those over 60. Shingles is a viral disease that causes painful rashes and blisters, and affects about a third of all people in the U.S.
And finally from Hamilton, researchers have developed a test to screen for autism in babies as young as nine months. The test is performed by placing a child in a car seat, and using an eye tracker to observe their interest in objects displayed on a computer screen. The study examined two groups of babies; those at high risk for autism, and those at low risk. The researchers found that, starting at nine months, they were able to see distinctions between the two groups, a finding which could lead to earlier detection of this disorder.
For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Allison Chow.
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