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A weekly round-up of health news stories that grabbed our attention from around the world over the last 7 days: No-stick pans cause cholesterol, stretching before running might not be a good idea, the FDA wants to regulate e-cigarettes and a firm handshake might help you live longer…

High Cholesterol Linked to Non-Stick Pans
Researchers in the West Virginia University School of Medicine believe that exposure to certain chemicals, found in non-stick cookware, including pots and pans, could be linked to high levels of low density cholesterol in children. The study does prove that the chemicals cause an increase in cholesterol and non-stick cookware manufacturers have always claimed that the chemicals are not bad for health. The net result is that further studies will be required to completely authenticate this finding.
(Web MD)

Vitamin B Postpones Alzheimer’s
Taking high doses of Vitamin B has shown to cut the rate of brain shrinkage by half for people over 60 years old. The rate of brain shrinkage is the first step towards dementia and Alzheimer’s. Vitamin B naturally occurs in meat, fish, eggs and green leafy vegetables and can also be taken as a daily supplement. Doctors have warned against taking more than 2mg of supplements a day. (BBC)

Pre-Run Stretch May Reduce Endurance
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research says that distance runners who stretch before their run might be reducing their level of endurance compared to those who skip the stretch. The subjects were all male runners but researchers say the results apply to females and casual runners as well. The study also found that those who stretched ended up burning more calories than those who didn’t. The final decision on whether or not to stretch remains an individual choice. (Web MD)

Sleep Linked to Obesity
A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine says that children who do not get enough sleep are likely to become obese even before they hit adulthood. The study was not able to state a direct link between sleep and obesity and simply said that “unknown biological mechinisms” were at work here. (Web MD)

Long Life Starts with a Firm Handshake
Despite age, sex and body type, people over 70 years can prolong their life by simply giving a firm handshake and walking at a brisk pace. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, said that the rate of these simple physical activities help prolong a person’s life by over 1.5 times when compared to those who take their time walking or getting up from a chair. (MSNBC)

FDA Goes After e-Cigarettes
An e-cigarette is a battery-powered device, shaped like cigarettes, cigars or pipes, that allow a person to inhale or “smoke” a nicotine solution instead of inhaling tobacco smoke. The FDA is preventing them from advertising themselves as “smoking aids” or being sold as products that “help quit smoking.” The FDA wants to treat them as drugs and medication and therefore need to make sure that they are manufactured safely and carry out what the advertising claims they do. (Reuters)