http://www.nwcn.com/news/health RSS Feed for NWCN - News - Health en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:13:20 GMT http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Soap-sniffing-technology-reducing-hospital-infections-70655707.html Hand washing is the best defense against germs, but studies show even health care workers don't wash their hands often enough. Now there's a new system that provides patients with an extra measure of protection. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/New-guidelines-by-the-American-College-of-Obstetricians-and-Gynecologists-say-most-women-in-their-20s-can-have-a-Pap-smear-every-two-years-instead-of-annually-to-catch-slow-growing-cervical-cancer-70623957.html New guidelines by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say most women in their 20s can have a Pap smear every two years instead of annually to catch slow-growing cervical cancer. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/CDC-Swine-flu-cases-seem-to-be-dropping-in-US-70663217.html The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that reports of swine flu illnesses were widespread in 43 states last week, down from 46 the week before. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Doctors-overwhelmed-frustrated-by-lack-if-H1N1-vaccine-70539727.html Doctors across the Puget Sound region are frustrated with the slow distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine. Many, especially pediatricians, have people continuously calling for the vaccine, only to be told none is available. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Procter--Gamble-recalls-Vicks-nasal-spray-70616967.html Procter & Gamble is recalling Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Britain and Germany after finding it contained bacteria, the company said. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Senate-girds-for-historic-debate-on-health-bill--70460582.html After months of maneuvering, the Senate stands at the brink of a historic battle over health care with President Barack Obama and his allies on one side and Republicans, outnumbered but unflinching, on the other. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Swedish-hospital-plans-to-stop-accepting-Regence-70529797.html Seattle's Swedish Medical Center says it plans to stop accepting Regence BlueShield -- the region's biggest health insurer -- as a provider. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Sebelius-mammograms-still-vital-in-saving-lives-70394737.html Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued a statement aimed at easing confusion over a government panel's recommendation, on Monday, that said most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two years starting at 50. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/Why-no-ones-watching-cosmetic-clinics-70429847.html For two days, the KING 5 Investigators have been reporting on problems at a Bellevue body contour center including a death following liposuction there. The center isn’t licensed or regulated by the state health department because of a gap in state laws. http://www.nwcn.com/news/health/FDA-panel-backs-Pfizers-enhanced-vaccine-for-kids-70394412.html The Food and Drug Administration's panel of vaccine experts voted 10-1 in favor of Pfizer's Prevnar 13 to protect against pneumococcal disease.