US drug agency panel unanimously approves experimental hepatitis drug from Vertex Pharma

WASHINGTON - U.S. government health experts say an experimental hepatitis C drug from Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a significant step forward in treating the virus, despite a high rate of rashes among patients taking the tablet....More

Too high a dose of thyroid drug raises fracture risk in older adults, study says

TORONTO - Older adults prescribed a drug for an underactive thyroid should be regularly monitored to ensure they aren't taking too high a dose that can put them at an increased risk for hip and other fractures, researchers say....More

Simple checklist a possible way to screen 1-year-olds for risk of autism: study

WASHINGTON - A simple checklist that parents fill out in the waiting room may help doctors someday screen for warning signs of autism as early as a baby's first birthday....More

Facebook saved his life says Ottawa man as he meets bone marrow donor

TORONTO - When Mike Hogman clicked a Facebook link back in 2009, the British Columbia native never imagined that two years later he would be standing in a Toronto airport meeting a man whose life he had saved....More

Canada's Medical Hall of Fame inducting 6 new 'heroes' to its ranks

LONDON, Ont. - A pioneer in nerve regeneration and a physician known as Quebec's Father of Cardiology are among six doctors being inducted Thursday into Canada's Medical Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame, located in London, Ont....More

Better Batter brand baking mixes recalled due to unlisted milk

TORONTO - The Canada Food Inspection Agency has announced a recall of certain Better Batter brand baking mix because it may contain milk that is not declared on the packaging....More

B.C. funds half of $27 million cost of second Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver

VANCOUVER - The B.C. government will provide half the $27 million needed to build a second Ronald McDonald House in Vancouver, to be located at BC Children's Hospital. Premier Christy Clark says the province is contributing $13....More

Avastin proves as good as pricier Lucentis for eye disease wet macular degeneration

A much cheaper drug has proved just as good as a $2,000 monthly shot to treat a common eye disorder that can lead to blindness, a long-awaited study has found....More

Nova Scotia nurses in capital region vote to strike

HALIFAX - Nurses working for Nova Scotia's largest health authority have voted 94 per cent in favour of going on strike. The nurses, represented by the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, work for the Capital District Health Authority....More

N.S. strategy sets targets to reduce smoking, but no new money for programs

HALIFAX - A new five-year tobacco control strategy aims to reduce smoking rates among young people in Nova Scotia....More

Imported egg custard contains undeclared shrimp, CFIA warns

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning Canadians with allergies that an egg custard sold in packaging with Japanese writing contains undeclared shrimp. The egg custard, imported from Japan by Nishimoto Trading Co. Ltd....More

DNA fingerprinting confirms a suspect: Armadillos are likely spreading leprosy in the South

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - With some genetic sleuthing, scientists have fingered a likely culprit in the spread of leprosy in the southern United States: the nine-banded armadillo....More

DNA fingerprinting confirms a suspect: Armadillos are likely spreading leprosy in southern US

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - With some genetic sleuthing, scientists have fingered a likely culprit in the spread of leprosy in the southern United States: the nine-banded armadillo....More

Brewers' Erick Almonte becomes 1st major leaguer on new 7-day DL for concussions

MILWAUKEE - Brewers utility man Erick Almonte went home to sleep under supervision after becoming the first major leaguer placed on the new seven-day disabled list for concussions....More

Simple checklist a possible way to screen 1-year-olds for risk of autism: study

WASHINGTON - A simple checklist that parents fill out in the waiting room may help doctors someday screen for warning signs of autism as early as a baby's first birthday....More

Better Batter brand baking mixes recalled due to unlisted milk

TORONTO - The Canada Food Inspection Agency has announced a recall of certain Better Batter brand baking mix because it may contain milk that is not declared on the packaging....More

Higher demand for human donor milk at banks for preemies, other babies in need

ATHENS, Ohio - With her baby fast asleep in the stroller, Valerie Githinji made her way up to the nurses' station in O'Bleness Memorial Hospital's maternity ward. She came bearing gifts....More

Health Canada approves HPV vaccine for women up to age 45

Health Canada has approved the use of the human papilloma virus vaccine for women aged 27 to 45 to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases, the company that makes the drug said Tuesday....More

Get outside and away from screens after school, physical activity report urges

TORONTO - Many Canadian kids plop themselves in front of a TV or computer screen after school, a trend that needs reversing to improve physical activity levels and overall health, a new report says....More

Flame retardants at high levels in pet dogs: study

Coursing through the veins of pet dogs are flame retardants at levels five to 10 times as high as those found in humans -- but lower than the levels found in the blood of pet cats, a new study has found....More