TB On The Rise & Free Drug Sample Dangers

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7:00am Segment Info:
A persistent rise of tuberculosis cases in Harlem is baffling health experts. Researchers say reports of the bacterial infection have been increasing there over the past two years... Despite falling elsewhere in the city, the increase includes a particularly virulent strain of TB that is resistant to drugs. Last year there were 40 new cases of the potentially deadly disease in Harlem alone.

MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

And, receiving free drug samples from your doctor may not be a good thing. Researchers report that people who receive the free drugs wind up paying a lot more for their prescription drugs than people who don’t. One suspected reason for the difference is that drugs that are available as free samples are more expensive than their older, less promoted counterparts.

8:00am Segment Info:
Scientists say overweight women -- particularly white women -- are less likely than their thinner peers to be screened for certain types of cancer.

New studies show obese women are opting not to be screened for breast and cervical cancers. One possible reason for this is that overweight women are often worried about being embarrassed in the examination room ... As well as fears about negative reactions from healthcare providers.

And, it looks like cod liver oil may be the key to fighting rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers say people who take a cod liver oil supplement could cut their dependence on anti-inflammatory drugs by more than thirty percent. Scientists say it's an important development since high doses of those drugs have been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and gastro-intestinal bleeding.