Dr. Michael Smith, Chief Medical Editor of WebMD, takes a look back at the stories that made medical headlines during 2012.
1. Health Care Reform:
When you think of a story that stands to impact absolutely everyone, this is undoubtedly it.
2. New Weight Loss Drugs:
Qsymia & Belviq. Even though both drugs do have risks, the FDA ultimately decided the benefit outweighed these risks.
3. Dreaded Diseases: west Nile & hantavirus.
While people have heard of West Nile, it's actually been a few years since we paid much attention to it. 2012 changed that when we saw the worst year ever in terms of deaths and brain damage from the infection. Then hantavirus reared its ugly head and at Yosemite National Park. It's a very deadly virus that's spread by mice and rats and kills nearly 40% of people who get it.
4. Do Men Need a PSA Test?
Starting at age 50, sometimes younger, men knew they needed a PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer. Well in 2012 one of the premier organizations that sets screening guidelines said the test will do more harm than good.
5. Sitting Disease:
I have to say I was even a bit surprised at this one. There were several studies showing that sitting too much could be a serious health threat. What's surprising is that sitting a lot increased the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and death even if you exercised regularly.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:51 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:51:52 GMT
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
You can watch a LIVE taping of the X Factor auditions at Nassau Coliseum on June 19-21. Judges Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio will be on hand. Tickets are free.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:07 AM EDT2013-06-19 10:07:22 GMT
NYC
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.
Nearly 3 million New Yorkers' homes are now in evacuation zones that cover more than a third of the city's population, under new maps released Tuesday.In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, officials said last month, the number of zones would double and encompass about 600,000 more residents.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:36:23 GMT
An obsession with pop culture turned into a dream job for Ross Matthews, who rose to fame as Ross The Intern on The Tonight Show. Matthews has written a book about his life and is gearing up to launch his own talk show. We'll catch up with the funny man on Wednesday.
An obsession with pop culture turned into a dream job for Ross Matthews, who rose to fame as Ross The Intern on The Tonight Show. Matthews has written a book about his life and is gearing up to launch his own talk show. We'll catch up with the funny man on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:35 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:35:57 GMT
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graces the set of GDNY in the morning.
One of her fellow contestants drew a blank when asked a question, but Erin Brady of Connecticut hit it right out of the park at the Miss USA 2013 contest. The newly crowned beauty queen graces the set of GDNY in the morning.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:34 AM EDT2013-06-19 09:34:56 GMT
First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie is leading the charge to raise funds for Superstorm Sandy victims on National Dine Out Day. Proceeds from the event go to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. We'll discuss ways everyone can help with Mrs. Christie in the morning.
First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie is leading the charge to raise funds for Superstorm Sandy victims on National Dine Out Day. Proceeds from the event go to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. We'll discuss ways everyone can help with Mrs. Christie in the morning.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:28 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:28:14 GMT
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
The competitive streak between Rosanna and Greg continues. This time, the Good Day duo faced off in a comedy challenge. The competition was fierce especially with mentors Linda Smith lending Ro a hand, and Colin Quinn helping Greg hone his routine. In the end, it was Rosanna who was the overall favorite.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:07:14 GMT
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Boxing returns to the Barclays Center next weekend when Paulie 'Magic Man' Malignaggi takes on Adrien Broner. The WBA Welterweight champion and Brooklyn native sat down with Rosanna and Greg to talk about the fight.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:59 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:59:58 GMT
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Famed dancer Savion Glover is taking tap dancing to new heights with a show at the Joyce Theater. Glover and members of the ensemble hit the floor with a preview for Good Day NY.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:21 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:21:36 GMT
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
A familiar face at the most important fashion shows in the world is behind a new book all about the little black dress. Andre Leon Talley, Editor In-Chief, Numero Russia, and former creative director of Vogue gave GDNY a closer look at "Little Black Dress."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 8:43 AM EDT2013-06-18 12:43:13 GMT
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.
Since 2012, NYC high school students have been required to pass all five state administered Regent exams by earning a grade of 65 or higher. The graduation rate this year is down 65.7 percent from 66.1 percent last year.