You can be scared to death, say experts

You may have enjoyed a haunted house as part of your Halloween celebrations – but experts say that you can be scared to death.

PA drugstores fighting mail-order pharmacies

Independent pharmacies say that it’s harder for them to make a living filling prescriptions than ever before – and they say mail-order pharmacies are to blame.

Penn researchers say we’re getting fatter at earlier age

Step away from the Halloween candy.

Americans are dying at a younger age than those in other industrialized nations, and University of Pennsylvania researchers say they know why: We’re getting fatter at a younger age.

Obama orders FDA to help reduce drug shortages

President Obama is expected today to ask the FDA to take steps to reduce drug shortages, which have been blamed for several patient deaths.

Obligatory Halloween Post: Black licorice fans, beware!

…Especially if you have heart problems. The FDA warns that eating too much of the candy can cause irregular heart rhythm.

Why is it so hard to maintain weight loss? A new study gives some insight

A recent study by Australian researchers showed that metabolism and hormone levels did not return to normal even a year after participants lost weight.

UPMC in the news

Check out what’s going on with western PA’s largest health system.

Rise in Medicare premium will be lower than expected

Some of the more recent Medicare enrollees will actually see their premiums decrease.

Asthma drugs may increase attacks for some children

One class of drugs used to prevent wheezing and shortness of breath in people with asthma may increase kids’ risk of being hospitalized for an asthma attack, according to a new analysis from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Employers and insurance companies now provide benefits for a healthier lifestyle

Growing numbers of employers and insurance companies, stung by continued hikes in healthcare costs, are offering employees money and merchandise to lead healthier lives.