Chicago Dot Com: The Health Report

Monday, August 29, 2011

New mothers choose 'tied tubes' over IUDs

Very few women choose to get an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted soon after giving birth, even though it's one of the most effective methods of long-term contraception, according to a new study.

Science disputes it, but advocates say praying for health works

For decades, Dick Hattan, of Geneva, suffered survivor guilt as a result of his tour in the Vietnam War. After members of his church prayed for his psychological healing, he said, he was able to move on.

Vanity can be a healthy asset

Professor Gordon Patzer explained that there is actually a "beauty premium" paid to good-looking people. On average, in the U.S., they make 5 percent more than average-looking people, who in turn make 10 percent more than those deemed unattractive.

What mom eats, weighs in pregnancy can set child up for obesity, diabetes

"If your mom was obese while she was pregnant with you, you're marked," said Philip Wood, professor at Sanford Burnham Research Institute. You will have an uphill battle fighting off excess weight and its ill effects.

Are farm subsidies making Americans fat?

When the federal government subsidizes a crop, farmers are enticed to grow more of it, which drives supply up and prices down. Food manufacturers buy more abundant cheap crops and thus more of them stream into the food supply.

Mother delivers baby in the middle of earthquake

"We've had babies in other storms that Mother Nature has brought us," spokesman Michael Schwartzberg said. "As far as I know, this is the first baby born in an earthquake."