Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass Provides Better Results Jul 16, 2008
Obesity surgery, also called bariatric surgery, is growing in popularity and more and more of these operations are being done using a laparoscope, note co-authors Dr. Wendy E. Weller, from the University at Albany in New York, and Dr. Carl Rosati, from Albany Medical Center ... While these findings suggest some advantages with the laparoscopic operation, "most reassuring for the bariatric surgery community is that the hospital outcomes were excellent overall in both the laparoscopic and open... (Newsmax)
NH governor mulling bariatric surgery, union bills Jun 30, 2008
He's been less clear on whether he'll veto a union-backed bill on contract negotiations and one mandating insurance coverage for bariatric surgery as an option in certain obesity cases ... One measure requires health insurers to offer bariatric surgery as an option ... Bob Clegg, who lost over 100 pounds after having bariatric surgery at his own expense. (Concord Monitor)
Lahey investigates weight loss, diabetes device Jun 27, 2008
The EndoBarrier is initially being tested as a short-term, removable weight loss device that is implanted (through the mouth) for up to three months in patients who are candidates for bariatric surgery to help them lose weight prior to surgery. Patients who received the device lost between 11 and 26 pounds in three months. (Burlington Union, MA)
Obesity Surgery Quickly Increases Kidney Stone Risk Jun 26, 2008
Surgeons conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of 24 morbidly obese adults (9 men and 15 women) from a university-based bariatric surgery clinic scheduled to undergo RYGB between December 2005 and April 2007. Five patients had a history of nephrolithiasis. (Newsmax)
Study: Weight-loss surgery improves diabetes Jun 24, 2008
woman had weight-loss surgery known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, or bariatric surgery, June 27, 2007, at Gundersen Lutheran. She lost 110 pounds, reversed her diabetes and acid-reflux condition, and is back to an active lifestyle. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Gastric Bypass Can Cut Cancer Risk Jun 23, 2008
A new study, which was carried out at Montreal's McGill University, compared 1,035 patients who had bariatric surgery from 1986 to 2002 with 5,746 obese patients who did not have surgery ... "The relationship between obesity and many forms of cancer is well established," said Dr. Nicolas Christou, lead researcher as well as director of bariatric surgery and professor of surgery at McGill ... "This is one of the first studies to suggest that bariatric surgery might prevent the risk of cancer for... (HealthNews)
Weight loss after gastric bypass controls diabetes Jun 21, 2008
DeMaria presented his group's research this week at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Washington, DC.. He and his team followed 71 morbidly obese patients with severe diabetes requiring high doses of insulin and oral medications to control their blood sugar levels. (Reuters)
Study finds weight-loss surgery cuts cancer risk Jun 20, 2008
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal found that the people who underwent bariatric surgery saw reductions in particular in the risk for breast and colon cancer ... The researchers tracked 1,035 such patients who had bariatric surgery for five years ... Those who underwent bariatric surgery had about an 80 percent lower risk of developing cancer, the study showed. (Reuters)
Weight-loss surgery saves lives, studies find Jun 20, 2008
Researchers already knew that bariatric surgery sharply reduced diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, in addition to improving appearance and quality of life ... Last year, about 177,600 Americans had bariatric surgery, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ... There are two main types of bariatric surgery. (Yahoo News -- Obesity)
Study: Gastric bypass cuts cancer rates Jun 19, 2008
"This is really powerful information," said Schauer, who is the immediate past president of the American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery ... There are two main types of bariatric surgery ... An estimated 205,000 Americans underwent the surgery last year, according to the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, and the number is expected to rise by 5 percent this year. (Boston Globe)
Thousands Gather for the Walk from Obesity - Walk on the Capitol in Washington, DC, to Raise Awareness of Obesity Jun 19, 2008
"The Walk on the Capitol was truly a historic event for those affected by obesity. Looking out at the National Mall and seeing the thousands in attendance symbolically walking for their health, patient rights and most importantly, obesity awareness, was amazing," said Joseph Nadglowski, Jr., Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) President and CEO and Executive Director of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) Foundation. In addition to the Walk, earlier in the week, the OAC... (PR Newswire)
The Coalition against Morbid Obesity applauds the results of a Montreal study showing that cancer risk are reduced by 80% after bariatric surgery Jun 19, 2008
com), welcome the results of a major scientific study on bariatric surgery conducted in Montreal. This study shows that morbidly obese patients who had bariatric surgery reduced the risk of developing cancer by about 80 percent, with breast cancer and colon cancer showing the greatest reductions ... "Several diseases and conditions are associated with morbid obesity. This latest study demonstrates once again the benefits of bariatric surgery, the most efficient treatment of morbid obesity as... (Canada Newswire)
Stomach surgery reduces cancer risk in obese patients Jun 19, 2008
Dr. Nicolas Christou, director of bariatric surgery and professor of surgery at McGill University, is the lead study author ... Morbidly obese patients who have bariatric surgery to lose weight have their cancer risk significantly reduced, compared to those who do not have the operation, a new Canadian study says ... The findings were presented Wednesday at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery (ASMB) in Washington, D.C.. (CTV.ca)
Weight Loss After Gastric Bypass Is Key to Easing Diabetes Jun 19, 2008
"Yes, there are physiologic changes related to the restructuring of the gastrointestinal or GI tract that appear to influence the rapid improvement in diabetes following gastric bypass. But our study shows the patients who were able to get off medications completely and go into remission were the ones who lost the most weight," Dr. Eric DeMaria, director of bariatric surgery at Duke University Medical Center, said in prepared statement ... The study was expected to be presented Wednesday at a... (Health-Finder)
Obesity Surgery Cuts Cancer Risk by 80% Jun 19, 2008
Bariatric surgery for weight loss may reduce a person's risk of developing cancer by about 80 percent, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ... During the past few years, published studies from the United States and Sweden have also shown that bariatric surgery may lower cancer risks ... These findings add to the list of ways that bariatric surgery may improve overall health. (ABC News)
Major health care construction projects in South Florida Jun 18, 2008
Use: Bariatric surgery, cardiology, minimally invasive surgery, operating room improvements. Cost: $37. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Can Gastric Bypass Cure Diabetes? Jun 13, 2008
"What we've learned is that when you stop putting food through the first part of the intestines, that triggers the release of certain compounds from the intestines, and that is what helps the diabetes," said Dr. Anthony DiBenedetto, Director of Bariatric Surgery at Rochester General Hospital. Right now, current guidelines allow only the obese to get the surgery, but area doctors are saying this breakthrough is already making a difference in their waiting rooms. (WOKR13 Rochester)
UT Southwestern surgeons complete first single-incision lap-band surgery in Texas Jun 13, 2008
UT Southwestern's Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery has been named a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Bariatric Surgery and is one of only 27 facilities in North America, and the only one in Texas, to be accredited by the American College of Surgeons for its $2 million training lab. The surgeons at UT Southwestern's Clinical Center for the Surgical Management of Obesity perform more than 350 bariatric and related procedures annually in addition to overseeing... (EurekAlert!)
/R E P E A T -- Media Invite - The Coalition against Morbid Obesity calls upon Minister Couillard as its petition is being submitted/ Jun 12, 2008
A young man suffering from morbid obesity and awaiting bariatric surgery, and his mother, will attend the event and provide testimonials. Note: Out-of-Montreal media representatives can listen in the audio Webcast at http://www. (Canada Newswire)
Modified Surgical Technique Further Reduces Lung Surgery Pain Jun 10, 2008
23, 2007) In the first operations of their kind in Northeastern USA, a bariatric surgery team has performed a unique non-invasive weight loss procedure that uses a new device that reduces the size of a. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Heart Patients Fare Better In 3-year Program Jun 5, 2008
14, 2006) Mayo Clinic researchers discovered in a first-of-its-kind study that people who undergo bariatric surgery -- commonly referred to as stomach stapling -- reap significant cardiac benefits compared. (Feb. (Science Daily)
Target diet, not surgery: experts Jun 2, 2008
Professor Paul O'Brien, who led this study at the Centre for Bariatric Surgery at Monash University, said the procedure could effectively cure both conditions for the "bargain" price of $17,000. Despite this, the surgery is still not widely available and can be done only privately. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Study: amount of fat in fat cells makes you fat Jun 2, 2008
Even extreme weight-loss strategies, such as bariatric surgery, did not reduce the number of fat cells in study subjects. The findings, detailed in the May 4 online issue of the journal Nature, suggest that the focus for controlling obesity should be on children, said Dr. Jeffrey Gimble, who studies fat stem cells at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge and was not involved in the research. (Xinhuanet, China)
Group pledges $500 million to fight epidemic May 28, 2008
The medical arsenal, for the most part, consists of prescription drugs, strict low calorie diets, and bariatric surgery. It's fantastic that medical professionals are taking cues from behavioral scientists here. (MSNBC -- Health)
Probiotics Help Adult Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery May 24, 2008
So his team evaluated 42 patients who had undergone the bariatric surgery known as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, giving half of them probiotics daily and the other half no probiotics ... In another obesity-related study presented at the conference, Erica Roberson, a postgraduate researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported that fecal incontinence and urinary incontinence are little talked about but real problems for patients both before and after bariatric surgery ... While... (MEDLINEplus)
Potential Remedies To Obesity And Its Health Threats May 23, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 22, 2008) Researchers unveiled data during the recent Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference in San Diego, California outlining improved bariatric surgery options and studies that offer new insight into the related toll on the body created by obesity, which causes many individuals to develop cancers of the esophagus and pancreas ... Bariatric surgery is a popular option for those who have been unable to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise alone ... Adolescent... (Science Daily)
Settlement allows Cornerstone to be paid for bariatric surgery May 23, 2008
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
Incisionless Procedure To Reduce Weight Regain After Gastric Bypass Surgery May 22, 2008
Over 200,000 individuals in the United States undergo bariatric surgery each year, and it is estimated that over 125,000 patients today are candidates waiting for a revision procedure ... 23, 2007) In the first operations of their kind in Northeastern USA, a bariatric surgery team has performed a unique non-invasive weight loss procedure that uses a new device that reduces the size of a. (Science Daily)
Incisionless Procedure to Reduce Weight Regain May 21, 2008
Over 200,000 individuals in the United States undergo bariatric surgery each year, and it is estimated that over 125,000 patients today are candidates waiting for a revision procedure. The Center for the Treatment of Obesity at UC San Diego Medical Center makes a long-term commitment to patients health and guides them from pre-surgery consultation and testing through surgery, recovery and continuing support. (Newsmax)
Yes, we're fat, but what do we do about it? May 18, 2008
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2006, which received support from manufacturers of the medical devices used in the procedure, found patients who underwent bariatric surgery lost more weight than patients who tried to lose weight with lifestyle change, low-calorie diets or weight-loss drugs. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association earlier this year showed that lap-band surgery could lead to remission of type 2 diabetes. (The Age, Australia -- Breaking News)
Number Of Fat Cells Remains Constant From Teenhood In All Body Types May 13, 2008
The group looked at whether the number of fat cells changes under extreme conditions such as drastic weight loss by radical reduction in caloric intake, such as through bariatric surgery. The treatment resulted in a significant decrease in BMI and fat cell volume; however, it did not reduce the number of fat cells two years after the surgery. (Science Daily)
New Tool in the Battle of the Bulge? May 9, 2008
"It's like putting on your belt every morning and having to cinch it up," said Dr. John Morton, director of bariatric surgery at Stanford University in California. "Clearly, one place it's going to work on is when patients feel hungry, so patients will feel less hungry when they have the device on.". (ABC News)
More who need major surgery are leaving U.S. Overseas treatments sometimes... May 4, 2008
Fresno surgeon Kelvin Higa, president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, said that in addition to wanting to save money, patients often travel overseas out of frustration because health insurance carriers make it so difficult for them to get surgery for obesity. While he does not recommend going overseas for care unless patients have no alternatives, he said he understands the allure of the savings. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Doctors offer Southern women tips to fight obesity May 2, 2008
"Just consider the soft drinks and sweet tea," says Dr. Scott Steinberg, director of Bariatric Surgery at DeKalb Medical Center ... Sources: Dr. Scott Steinberg, director of Bariatric Surgery at DeKalb Medical Center. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Gastric Bypass May Also Relieve Low Back Pain May 2, 2008
"This study provides evidence that substantial weight reduction following bariatric surgery results in moderate reductions in pre-existing back pain within six months of weight loss. While this initial research is promising, larger long-term trials are needed to prove the efficacy of this treatment," Dr. Paul Khoueir said in a prepared statement. Khoueir was expected to present the findings in Chicago April 29 at the annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (MEDLINEplus)
NeWeigh fights obesity using multiple methods Apr 22, 2008
NeWeigh provides services to patients in the pre-operative and post-operative phases of bariatric surgery, which deals with the treatment of morbid obesity. These services include general support, nutritional counseling, and pre-surgical screening and preparation, and patient monitoring after surgery. (Conroe Courier, TX)
Patients 'put on weight to get NHS surgery' Apr 20, 2008
The weight-loss operation - known as bariatric surgery - involves placing a balloon inside the stomach and filling it slightly to reduce the amount of food it can hold, or placing a band around the top of the stomach to achieve the same thing ... Dr Sally Nelson, medical advisor for NHS South Central, which covers Portsmouth, said the level of demand for bariatric surgery had exceeded estimations. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Leaving the Folds Apr 20, 2008
Bariatric surgery -- the stomach-shrinking operation performed to treat obesity -- works, and it is becoming safer all the time ... Many patients who experience massive weight loss after bariatric surgery will need additional surgery to remove excess skin ... As bariatric surgery has grown more common (some 144,000 such procedures were performed in the United States in 2004, more than double the number in 2002), D'Amico says, patients seeking body contouring have "started to show up in plastic... (Yahoo News -- Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery)
The Bypass Effect On Diabetes, Cancer Apr 18, 2008
Good News On Bariatric Surgery ... Dr. Neil Hutcher, the former president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, says it's time to reevaluate the guidelines, and allow more diabetics access to surgery. (CBS News)
Lifestyle Change Key for Obesity Surgery Success Apr 18, 2008
Clancy has written about the realities of operations to promote weight loss, known as bariatric surgery, in the latest issues of Nursing for Women's Health and Health for Women, both published by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. Bariatric surgery has skyrocketed in popularity, Clancy noted in an interview, but just a fraction of people who could benefit most from the surgery have gotten it ... People may want to seek out bariatric surgery programs designated as... (MEDLINEplus)
Mixed Results For Weight Loss Drug, Rimonabant, On Slowing Progression Of Coronary Disease Apr 6, 2008
13, 2005) Mayo Clinic researchers report in the September edition of Mayo Clinic Proceedings that bariatric surgery is a safe option for treating obese patients who have coronary artery. (Oct. (Science Daily)
UM to invest $37.5 M in recently acquired hospital Apr 3, 2008
The selling points will include academic medicine and some new and expanded programs in bariatric surgery, cardiology and minimally invasive surgery, Chulick said. In support of these programs, UM is hiring new physicians and buying equipment, such as a Da Vinci surgical robot and a $1 million, 128-slice computerized tomography (CT) scanner, which is twice as powerful as the standard cardiac-scanning CT.. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Grubb & Ellis Healthcare REIT Acquires Cypress Station Medical Office Building in Houston Apr 1, 2008
It has also been designated a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Financing for the acquisition was primarily provided by National City Bank. (PR Newswire)
Dr. Laura returns to Atlanta airwaves Apr 1, 2008
Back when her show was on WGST, I heard Laura tell an obese woman caller she needed to consider bariatric surgery just to please some man. By sane jane. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
HMH’s gastric band program offers hope for the heavy Mar 16, 2008
It s all her stomach can handle after bariatric surgery that Weaver says was the key to weight loss after decades of obesity. Weaver underwent gastric band surgery 11 months ago. (Elizabethtown News Enterprise, KY)
Weight Loss More Effective Than Intensive Insulin Therapy For Type 2 Diabetics, Expert Argues Mar 15, 2008
Today there are many treatment options, including bariatric surgery, if necessary, to lower the fat content in the body before you start giving insulin, he said. The fat is causing insulin resistance and killing the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas that is what is causing type 2 diabetes. (Science Daily)
N.H. Senate supports weight-loss surgery bill Mar 7, 2008
He has lost 105 pounds since bariatric surgery in September where his stomach was reduced to the size of a cup ... And on Thursday, the state Senate gave preliminary approval to his bill to require that New Hampshire insurers include bariatric surgery as an option in treating diseases and ailments caused by obesity ... "I'm one of the people who has seen the benefits of bariatric surgery," Clegg told the Senate. (Concord Monitor)
Diabetes May Be Disorder Of Upper Intestine: Surgery May Correct It Mar 6, 2008
Today, most patients with diabetes are not offered a surgical option, and bariatric surgery is recommended only for those with severe obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, of greater than 35kg) ... "There is, in fact, growing evidence that diabetes surgery can be effective even for patients who are only slightly obese or just overweight. Clinical trials in this field are therefore a priority as they allow us to compare diabetes surgery to other treatment options in the attempt to understand when... (Science Daily)
Debra Smith started awalking program backin August,and haslost57 pounds so far. Staff photo by ERIN SMITH Feb 26, 2008
Smith said she never once considered bariatric surgery or any of the more radical medical procedures for losing weight. She also said no to weight loss drugs due to the potential side effects. (Elizabethtown Bladen Journal, NC)
Crying foul: Suit says H.P. Regional bariatric surgery unfairly assessed Feb 21, 2008
and are suing so that a controversial weight-loss procedure in the lucrative field of bariatric surgery will be eligible for insurance reimbursement ... Without accreditation, Medicare and most major insurance companies will not reimburse bariatric surgery, which last year generated about $5 ... The suit claims the college is trying to shut High Point Regional and Cornerstone out of the industry, which is also practiced at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Moses Cone Health System -- both... (Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area)
Gecko sharessticky secrets Feb 19, 2008
It could help prevent abdominal adhesions or fix internal leaks that occur during bariatric surgery, for instance ... Dr. Harvey Sugerman, past president of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, said it might be more useful than existing techniques for repairing leaks during obesity surgery. (MSNBC -- Health)
Weight-loss surgery increasingly seen as treatment for diabetes Feb 18, 2008
Americans get more than 205,000 weight loss surgeries a year, according to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery - a number which is almost certain to keep climbing ... Risk for suicide also appears to increase after weight-loss surgery, said Dr. Harvey Sugerman, editor in chief of the journal Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, perhaps because some patients "attributed all their depression to obesity. Then they have the operation, which takes care of the obesity, but... (Boston Globe)
What Can This Country Afford? Feb 13, 2008
The federal deficit needs bariatric surgery. Every candidate for office is going to make promises to you, the voter. (WOKR13 Rochester)
Get involved Feb 4, 2008
BARIATRIC SURGERY GROUP: 5:30 p.m., University Hospital; support for people who have had or are considering bariatric surgery; (706) 868-3241. TUESDAY. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Man Loses 600 Pounds With Diet, Exercise Feb 3, 2008
Hollins said it is rare to Lapitz's style of weight loss without bariatric surgery because many people just don't have the same dedication to reach high goals. Laptiz is 68 and enjoying things others take for granted, such as fitting inside his shower for the first time in 20 years. (7 KETV Omaha)
Alabamians should take to the polls Tuesday Feb 2, 2008
WakeWashington wrote on Feb 2, 2008 2:37 AM:" If Huckabee has anything to do with a GOP presidential campaign after Super Tuesday, the Democrats are going to make it look like Romney was taking it pretty easy on him. This summer when the moment seems just right, theyll start off with his sellout to the tobacco industry and all of his ethics violations and his misuse of public office for personal greed. The wedding gift registry he used to shake people down after leaving the governors office... (Demopolis Times, AL)
Man Turns Small Steps Into 600-Pound Loss Feb 2, 2008
Hollins said it is rare to see Lapitz's style of weight loss without bariatric surgery because many people just don't have the same dedication to reach high goals. Laptiz is 68 and enjoying things others take for granted, such as fitting inside his shower for the first time in 20 years. (Click2Houston, TX)
Gundersen Lutheran ranked in top 5 percent of nation’s hospitals Feb 1, 2008
Gundersen Lutheran also received specialty excellence awards for bariatric surgery, critical care, gastrointestinal care, gastrointestinal surgery, general surgery, joint replacement and orthopedic care. The medical center also received five-star or best ratings in treating several medical conditions. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
1.2 million Australians go through McDonald's golden arches everyday Jan 26, 2008
Dr Linda Schachter, a physician at The Centre for Bariatric Surgery in Victoria, which specialises in the surgical treatment of obesity, said it was "incredibly disappointing" to hear that more people than ever were eating McDonald's. Dr Schachter said while some people might choose healthier options at McDonald's, the fact was many still ordered fries, which were high in fat. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Expanded AP stories Jan 25, 2008
There is a growing body of evidence that bariatric surgery is an effective tool for managing diabetes, said Dr. John Buse of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, the association's president for medicine and science. It's just a question of how effective is it, for what spectrum of patients, over what period of time and at what cost. (McPherson Sentinel, KS)
Gastric Banding Reverses Impact Of Type 2 Diabetes Jan 24, 2008
Significant sustained weight loss as a result of bariatric surgery has never been formally studied as a treatment for type 2 diabetes in obese participants, according to background information in the article. John B. Dixon, M.B.B.S., Ph. (Science Daily)
Diabetes study favors surgery to treat obese Jan 24, 2008
Medical societies in the United States and abroad that once called their specialty bariatric surgery, a term that refers to weight loss, have started adding the word "metabolic" to their titles to emphasize the new focus on diabetes. "I think diabetes surgery will become common within the next few years," said Dr. John Dixon, the lead author of the study and an obesity researcher at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, where the research was conducted. (International Herald Tribune)
Weight-loss operation can send diabetics into remission Jan 24, 2008
Almost three in every four obese people suffering from diabetes can be cured of the disease with bariatric surgery, according to a groundbreaking new study, one that some experts say opens the door to changes in treatment of diabetes as profound as the discovery of insulin ... Those who underwent bariatric surgery did so far more effectively ... "It's clear that bariatric surgery is one of the best ways to treat and prevent diabetes," he said. (Globe and Mail)
Diabetes? Obesity Surgery May End It Jan 24, 2008
"There is a growing body of evidence that bariatric surgery is an effective tool for managing diabetes," said Dr. John Buse of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill, the association's president for medicine and science. "It's just a question of how effective is it, for what spectrum of patients, over what period of time and at what cost? Not all those questions have been answered yet.". (Click2Houston, TX)
Battling the bulge with electricity Jan 23, 2008
Safer than bypass "A technology like this is dramatically safer than gastric bypass," said Scott Shikora, chief of bariatric surgery at the Tufts-New England Medical Center in Massachusetts, which will take part in the trial for Maestro. Shikora is a paid medical consultant for EnteroMedics. (MSNBC -- Health)