Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) may reduce the odds that the virus will persist by increasing the amount of certain carotenoids. Carotenoids are plant pigments with antioxidant and other beneficial properties. A recent study found that increasing dietary intake of vitamin C and carotenoids found in papaya appeared to lower the risk of persistent HPV infection. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, including some that cause genital warts. About 30...

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Women who are consistently overweight or obese during adulthood may be at increased risk for reduced volume of certain areas of their brain. Obesity is associated with poor blood flow, high blood pressure, and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases -- which contribute to a higher dementia risk. In this study, 290 Swedish women (born in the early 1900s) were followed throughout adulthood and evaluated every five years. In 1992, when they were between 70 and...

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Americans, among the most medicated peoples in the world, are swallowing more pills than ever, according to a report released by the U.S. government. A total of 44% of Americans had taken at least one prescription drug in the prior month when surveyed in 1999 and 2000, compared to 39% during the 1988-1994 period, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. One in six adults was taking three or more drugs...

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