Cholesterol screening: British researchers are proposing that all children get screened for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol levels and increases risk of early death from heart disease. The test is done with a simple blood test and would be done at a child’s regular 15 month well visit. As for changing current practices in the U.S.? Says one doctor, the study alone “is not enough to change our current practice…a decision about doing this in the United States must involve a lot more thinking and a lot more economic analysis, because it involves a huge screening program.”

Low male sex drive: A new study suggests that erecitile dysfunction in men over 30 is often caused by low testosterone levels. The study showed that 1 in 4 men suffer from this condition. “Low testosterone can indicate androgen deficiency if it is accompanied by low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, osteoporosis or fracture, and two or more of the following: sleep disturbance, depressed mood, lethargy or diminished physical performance.”

One the celeb front: Trista Sutter of “The Bachelorette” revealed that she suffered from gestational diabetes and had HELPP Syndrome during her pregnancy. “This occurs in about 10 percent of women with preeclampsia or eclampsia, and includes early breakdown of red blood cells, low platelet count and elevated liver enzymes. Severe cases of HELLP can be life-threatening to both mother and baby.” She was induced at 36 weeks, and ultimately delivered her baby boy via c-section. Maxwell Alston was hospitalized for 10 days for not breastfeeding consistently and because his lungs weren’t fully developed.

Posted by Pager12.