Mammogram Recommendation
More groups are speaking out against a government task force's recommendation that most women younger than 50 don't need to get mammograms.  The American Cancer Society has already stated it will not change its guidelines.  And now the head of the Susan G Komen Foundation is also saying these recommendations could be dangerous.

“Well, my biggest fear is that others will fall through the cracks. A third of the women at risk in this country are low resource people who need screening because they don't even know they are at risk. They don't have gene studies; some don't even know their family histories. That's why we are not changing our screening recommendations at this point, we're just not."

The best advice you can hear right now on this issue is discuss it with your doctor.


Swine flu testimony
The other big medical issue this year is swine flu which is now front and center on Capital Hill.  Two house subcommittees are investigating how prepared the United States was for this pandemic.  Of course the top question why did the swine flu vaccine come out too little and too late?  "It's been unprecedented in its speed that we've gotten this vaccine, but of course like everyone, I'm disappointed in the initial production and we've been held captive by a slow growing virus.  However, today I can announce that there are 49.9 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine available for the states to order," Anne Schuchat.  The federal government ordered 250 million doses of H1N1 vaccine last spring.


Deal or Dud: Dry skin
"My 10 day old daughter's skin is peeling.  Lotion and baby oils don't work. We're African American, any suggestions?"
Lyn
Conway

Dr. Osaka Melnik from Baptist Health Family clinic says babies and children can get dry skin just like adults. In fact, because young skin is more delicate, it's more susceptible to becoming dry. So try to bathe your baby less frequently and for shorter periods.

Toss out soaps and opt for fragrance-free, soap-free cleansers.  Moisturize your baby's skin immediately following her bath.  Try using inexpensive, natural oils - like olive or grape seed oil as an alternative.

To hydrate - feed your baby breast milk or formula whenever she is hungry, they'll quench her thirst, and keep her hydrated.  Use a humidifier in your home.