Dr. Steve: Wednesday

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7:00am Segment Info:
Everyone knows that radiation from medical tests like x-rays and ct scans can pose a health risk.

Now a new study from brown university finds pregnant women are being exposed to more than twice the amount of radiation from medical imaging scans than they were 10 years ago potentially placing themselves and their unborn babies at risk. Over the 10-year period, the number of women imaged increased 91% and the number of actual examinations performed on pregnant women was up 125%. Although the average amount of radiation a woman received during any single scan was well below the accepted limit, these cans can cause a cumulative effect.

Why so many scans?

There are a number of factors going on. Some of this increase is due to the development of new imaging techniques that better diagnose health problems. The tests are more accurate and faster. So doctors hospitals and insurance companies like that. Consumers need to ask if there is an alternative procedure that does not involved radiation and they should also ask about the risks of the radiation. For example, in this study.. The most common reason a woman got a ct scan was to rule out appendicitis. An MRI can also diagnose appendicitis without the risk of radiation. Not every hospital has an MRI, but patients should still ask.

In other news, it's flu season, and now there's a new warning about a popular flu drug.

An FDA panel is meeting to discuss putting a stronger warning label on the prescription drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

According to the FDA there have been about 600 reported cases of psychiatric behavior associated with Tamiflu and about 125 with Relenza. Most of the Tamiflu cases happened among patients 21 or younger... And 75 percent of them happened in Japan. 5 children died and 3 adults committed suicide. There have been no cases in the US.

Why is this happening in Japan?

Tamiflu is used about six times more in Japan than in the US. The question is, are these psychological side effects the results of the medication alone? Or the combination of fever, flu and the drug. The companies that make Tamiflu and Relenza do not think the labels need to be changed because they say they already mention the side effects. But the f-d-a is considering a stronger warning. You should know that millions of people have taken this drug, and with 600 events the likelihood of anyone developing these side effects is very low.

Finally, there's some news about the staph superbug.

The board of health wants to pass a law requiring laboratories to report any cases of MRSA that they discover.

Currently they are required to report outbreaks, but they are not required to report individual cases.

You can sound off on that issue today if you're interested. There's going to be a public hearing at 10am at the city department of health office at 125 Worth Street in Manhattan.

8:00am Ask The Doctor Info:

1. My 9-year-old has a lot of stretch marks and is embarrassed by them. She does not look fat for her height. What causes them and how can we get rid of them?
Patricia from Irvington, NJ

Patricia, stretch marks are usually caused by rapid growth or stretching of the skin like during pregnancy or weight gain. Some medical conditions can also increase the risk of stretch marks. The problem starts in the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin. To prevent them you should eat a healthy diet, avoid caffeine and drink plenty of water. Over the counter creams may decrease their appearance... But the best way to get rid of them is through dermabrasion, chemical peels or laser treatments.

2. My husband has been having night sweats for many years now. Can you tell me what it means and what he should do?
P.s. please tell Emily that he loves her. Maybe that’s why he has night sweats!
Paulette from Flushing, Queens

Paulette, Emily does have that effect on lots of men, but seriously. Night sweats can be caused by many different things - infection like TB, cancer, even some medications. They can also be caused by low blood sugar, hormone problems, not just menopause, and neurological conditions. If your husband is having night sweats he should get checked out by his doctor. Many of these conditions are treatable so don't put it off.

3. What is the best way to take weight off your mid section?
Max from Manhattan,

Max, contrary to what people think, doing an exercise for a particular body part, like abdominals, does not burn fat in that area alone. The best way to lose your midsection is to do plenty of cardio, at least 30 to 40 minutes a day, combined with ab work like crunches. This way you'll burn the fat and build the muscle making it more prominent. Don't forget your diet. All that exercise won't make a bit of difference if you don't eat right. Diet is a big part of the game.