Kellogg backs off Rice Krispies immunity claims

Kellogg Co. says it will pull immunity claims from its Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies cereal boxes amid the public's growing concern about swine flu.

Kellogg began adding extra antioxidants to its cereal last year, which it says help support the immune system.

Defensive medicine drives up costs

BOSTON - Dr. James Wang says he tries to tell his patients when extra medical procedures aren't necessary. If they insist, though, he will do it - not so much to protect their health as his own practice.

Preventive strikes: Making health care about health

As a young cardiologist, Steve Devries noticed a disturbing pattern: His patched-up heart patients kept returning for repairs. It happened so often that Devries decided there must be another way to advance patients' health.

Ten ways to take control of your health

If you're ready to take control of your health, start by frequently washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds .Doing this simple act, while avoiding certain behaviors - smoking, excessive drinking and eating too much - can dramatically improve your health, said internist William Meller, who specializes in evolutionary medicine in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Supporting facts

Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, fish and cereals is associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline in adults 65 years and older.

- Journal of the American Medical Association, August

A daily supplement of 700 to 1,000 international units of vitamin D reduces older people's risk of falling by 19 percent.

Parent to Parent: Making the case for leaving some space

Last July I had surgery to remove some bone from one of my knees. For the rest of the summer, I spent much of my time either resting or hobbling around slowly. For perhaps the first time in my life, I became intently aware of how many motions are involved in even the most mundane activities of daily living, such as moving around a kitchen to assemble a child's lunch and snack for summer camp. I was reminded of the extent to which I take for granted my normally able-bodied status, and felt renewed sympathy for people who live with chronic pain or disability. And I became much more choosy about what I did.

Seniors face conflicting advice on whether to go for cancer tests

Arthur Cohen was a healthy, active 85-year-old when his Toronto doctor recommended a colonoscopy to check for early signs of colorectal cancer.