Dr. Steve: Brain Cancer Vaccine Trial , Infant Flu Alert & Heath Ledger's Toxicology

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BRAIN CANCER VACCINE TRIALS INFO:
Doctors at New York University are looking for candidates to begin clinical trials on a new cutting edge personalized brain cancer vaccine. This vaccine uses the original cancer cells to destroy itself preventing it from returning. Earlier studies show it may increase survival rates by more than 50%. Candidates must be newly-diagnosed, and have not had any other treatment, including chemotherapy and/or radiation. If you know someone who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and think they may be interested in the study, interested candidates should contact Dr. Kelly at Patrick.kelly@med.nyu.edu or Dr. Gruber at Michael.gruber@nyumc.org.

MORE INFO AFTER THE JUMP

You heard the warnings here since the fall and now experts are saying this year's flu is a killer.

Two children have died in the past two weeks - both in high risk categories, a seven-month-old and a 7 year old with asthma. Babies, the elderly and people with chronic diseases are especially at risk. According to the CDC the flu is now in high gear here in New York. ER visits are up 38% and climbing. If you still haven't gotten a flu shot, it's not too late. You can call 3-1-1 to find out where you can get a free flu shot.

8:00am Segment Info:
There's nothing like a hot bath... Or even a jacuzzi for aching muscles... But if you're pregnant... You may want to skip it.

That's because a hot bath can pose a risk for your baby. Submerging yourself can raise the temperature in the womb, and body temperatures over one hundred and two point two can be dangerous for a fetus. And a recent study found that women who used hot tubs or jacuzzis in early pregnancy were twice as likely to have a miscarriage compared to women who did not.

Is there a "safe" way to take a bath?

Hot tubs are not recommended, but if you must take a bath, there are a couple of rules to follow. Most importantly.. Don't let the water get too hot. Once you're in, don't linger, you shouldn't stay in for longer than 10 minutes. If you start to feel sick or uncomfortable, you should get out of the tub.

In other news, the toxicology reports are in on heath ledger. Tell us about that.

The city medical examiner's report is calling Heath Ledger's death an accident resulting from the abuse of prescription medication.

Six dangerous drugs were found in his system: two pain killers oxycodone & hydrocodone also known as vicodin. Three anti-anxiety medications: diazepam, which is commonly known as valium, alprazolam, known as xanax, and temazepam. He also had doxylamine and antihistamine that's often used as a sleep aid. These drugs in combination can easily cause death.

Prescription medications are just as dangerous as "street" drugs.. Aren't they?

They are, and that's what many people don't realize. They figure if it's a prescription is got to be safe. These medications are just as dangerous as street drugs and they're just as addictive. Especially the hydrocodone and oxycodone. When you overdose or if you take them in combination with other drugs, they can easily shut down your breathing. Just taking any one of these prescription medications in overdose can kill someone. This should be a wakeup call for parents. More and more kids are abusing prescription medications these days and they're getting them from two sources the internet without a prescription all you need is a credit card and the medicine cabinet.