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# What’s Hot and What’s Not: 2011 Health Care Roundup
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/healthcare_1228111135/
- Published: 2011-12-28T12:27:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:08:44.000Z
- Description: Ask a Patient looks back at 2011: the first stem-cell windpipe and stem-cell heart repair, findings favoring chocolate, coffee and wine, listeria in cantaloupes, arsenic worries, drinking tied to slightly higher breast cancer risk, and new tests for Alzheimer's, diabetes and HIV.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Healthcare, Health News, #vivvo-import

**What’s Hot and What’s Not: 2011 Health Care Roundup**

  
It’s cliché to say that it’s hard to believe 2011 is nearly over, but so much has happened this past year that we almost expect the year to keep going. At Ask a Patient, we’ve been looking at hot topics in health and medicine, and we wanted to share some of this year’s hits with you.

2011 saw a number of developments in stem cell research, including the world’s first artificial windpipe created from stem cells. Doctors also managed to repair heart damage by injecting stem cells into patients’ otherwise irreparably damaged hearts.

And 2011 was mostly a great year for lovers of food and drink. Chocolate was shown to improve heart health, and researchers discovered that coffee appears to lower the risk for certain kinds of cancer and build resistance to some infections. And having a glass of wine with dinner can help you stay health as you age.

But 2011 saw a few food scares as well. Cantaloupes infected with listeria passed the deadly infection onto consumers; there were also concerns raised about the levels of arsenic in apples and groundwater. And that glass of wine we mentioned? Research in 2011 also tied moderate drinking to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

Doctors in 2011 discovered new diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and HIV. A preventive vaccine developed in Canada is about to be tested in HIV patients, and a cure could soon become a reality. But some doctors expressed concern over the number of tests recommended to patients, especially as those patients age; some tests, like the PSA and mammograms, might do more harm than good.

The good news is, despite any concerns, there are a few easy things 2011 showed us that we can do to live healthier: quit smoking (the sooner you quit, the greater the benefits), soak up the sun, smile, and spend time with friends. Have a look at our roundup of the some of the best and worst health news of the past year, compiled from AskaPatient’s tweets over the year. We wish you a happier and healthier 2012\. Cheers!

Click on the highlighted word to link to source.

## **Drugs & Treatments: The Good News**

**Drug** [**patents**](http://money.msn.com/saving-money-tips/post.aspx?post=0dd2244d-aaf0-4744-b1a7-29e8d2ba99c8&ref=foodconsumer.org) **are expiring, making way for cheaper generics in 2012**

**FDA approved 35** [**new drugs**](http://ow.ly/7jhnY?ref=foodconsumer.org) **this year compared with 21 last year**

**New** [**Ebola vaccine**](http://ow.ly/7QiMN?ref=foodconsumer.org) **can be stockpiled**

[**Stem**](http://ow.ly/7OZ6e?ref=foodconsumer.org) **cells shown to be capable of repairing heart damage**

**Stem cells used for first** [**artificial windpipe**](http://ow.ly/7Hxnz?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Stem cells treatment used for first time for** [**spinal nerve repair**](http://bit.ly/o2hs1N?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Stem cells show promise for treating** [**Parkinson's**](http://ow.ly/7llSG?ref=foodconsumer.org)

[**Harmless virus**](http://fb.me/PzofdIHd?ref=foodconsumer.org) **appears to kill cancer cells**

**Promising new** [**lung cancer drug**](http://abcn.ws/qZ4uBl?ref=foodconsumer.org) **available for niche group**

[**Gene therapy**](http://bit.ly/rn5ot6?ref=foodconsumer.org) **shows promise for treating HIV**

**Scientists are fighting malaria with** [**sterile mosquitoes**](http://bbc.in/oAjmDt?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**FDA has approved trials for a vaccine that** [**prevents HIV**](http://t.co/tOsYUMor?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Genetically engineered** [**T cells**](http://lat.ms/nFd1RP?ref=foodconsumer.org) **can quash cancer cells**

**New tool identifies** [**melanoma**](http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DeviceApprovalsandClearances/Recently-ApprovedDevices/ucm280864.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) **with light**

**New blood test measures** [**Alzheimer’s**](http://fb.me/VB3YeQ36?ref=foodconsumer.org) **progression**

**Breakthrough in** [**diabetes:**](http://ow.ly/7qyIC?ref=foodconsumer.org) **testing tears instead of blood**

**New cheaper, faster, accurate** [**HIV blood test**](http://wapo.st/nadk33?ref=foodconsumer.org)

## **Drugs & Treatments: the Bad News**

[**Drug shortages**](http://bit.ly/n3m1kC?ref=foodconsumer.org) **are causing problems**

**FDA reports more than 350 drug and food** [**recalls**](http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2011/ucm2025544.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in 2011**

**Less vaccinations lead to** [**measles outbreaks**](http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-10-21/Unvaccinated-behind-largest-US-measles-outbreak-in-years/50852098/1?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in Europe and possibly forecast here**

[**Flu shots**](http://ow.ly/7IAYx?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may suppress antibodies to other strains of influenza in children**

[**Asthma drugs**](http://ow.ly/7jgSt?ref=foodconsumer.org) **might mask dangerous symptoms**

**Disappointing breast cancer drug** [**Avastin**](http://ow.ly/7y8LX?ref=foodconsumer.org) **(FDA withdrew its approval)**

[**Product packaging defects,**](http://1.usa.gov/rtO1WS?ref=foodconsumer.org) **such as for eye drug Avastin and birth control pills**

[**Drug deaths**](http://lat.ms/numdyW?ref=foodconsumer.org) **outnumber traffic fatalities**

**Consumers are extremely concerned about** [**drug safety**](http://www.askapatient.com/resources/healthcarepoll.asp?PollID=48&ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Tenofivir gel proved ineffective treating** [**HIV**](http://ow.ly/7H9vA?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in trial**

**Dartmouth study suggests only 1 in 8 saved by** [**mammogram**](http://ow.ly/7efaq?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Drug-resistant** [**tuberculosis**](http://bit.ly/nSR2Bk?ref=foodconsumer.org) **has researchers in Europe concerned**

**The prospect of** [**drugs**](http://bit.ly/oCpWOI?ref=foodconsumer.org) **raise “Big Brother” concerns**

## **Food: the Good News**

[**Non-fried fish**](http://ow.ly/7JWu0?ref=foodconsumer.org) **lowers Alzheimer’s risk**

[**Purple potatoes**](http://on.msnbc.com/pPq1SO?ref=foodconsumer.org) **make blood pressure plummet**

[**Chocolate**](http://usat.ly/pYRh9N?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may lower risk of stroke and is good for** [**heart health**](http://bit.ly/psTqcN?ref=foodconsumer.org)

[**Coffee**](http://ow.ly/7C4W6?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may lower risk of uterine cancer and** [**reduces depression**](http://on.today.com/o0ebk5?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in women**

[**Coffee and tea drinkers**](http://huff.to/om5d6N?ref=foodconsumer.org) **might be more resistant to the MRSA superbug**

[**Moderate drinking**](http://bit.ly/pdeOd1?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may help you stay healthy as you age**

[**Red wine**](http://ow.ly/7gMnn?ref=foodconsumer.org) **could boost your metabolism and help with weight loss**

[**White fruits and veggies**](http://usat.ly/qCP3MQ?ref=foodconsumer.org) **(pears and cucumbers) might cut stroke risk**

**FDA says** [**organic arsenic**](http://1.usa.gov/pAxDkk?ref=foodconsumer.org) **found in apple juice is harmless**

## **Food: the Bad News**

**Well-done** [**red meat**](http://ow.ly/7Fdqc?ref=foodconsumer.org) **associated with higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer**

[**Processed red meat**](http://ow.ly/7Fd2N?ref=foodconsumer.org) **leads to increased risk of type 2 diabetes**

[**Canned soup**](http://bit.ly/r8DapU?ref=foodconsumer.org) **found to have high BPA levels**

**Salt:** [**Too much**](http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763%5F162-20123674-10391704/americans-consume-too-much-salt-cdc-report/?ref=foodconsumer.org) **or** [**too little salt**](http://ow.ly/7D1nX?ref=foodconsumer.org) **is bad for cholesterol**

**Some** [**groundwater**](http://bit.ly/pCH90j?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may have high levels of arsenic**

**Consumer Reports found high levels of** [**organic arsenic**](http://ow.ly/7JWzm?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in juices**

[**Vitamin supplements**](http://on.msnbc.com/nAV9AW?ref=foodconsumer.org) **might actually do more harm than good**

[**Pesticides**](http://lat.ms/nlJpIB?ref=foodconsumer.org) **linked to prostate cancer**

[**Aspartame**](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20886530?ref=foodconsumer.org) **(in diet sodas) linked to tumor growth and Americans are drinking too many** [](http://usat.ly/nYLC35?ref=foodconsumer.org)**drinks**

[**Moderate drinking**](http://ow.ly/7gLcr?ref=foodconsumer.org) **also linked to slightly higher breast cancer risk**

[**Cantaloupes**](http://bit.ly/opSENt?ref=foodconsumer.org) **were found to blame for mysterious Listeria outbreak**

## **Lifestyle: the Good News**

[**Vermont**](http://fb.me/1hAvMf5RL?ref=foodconsumer.org) **is the healthiest state to live in**

[**Quitting smoking**](http://1.usa.gov/2hq56z?ref=foodconsumer.org) **lowers (not just lung) cancer risk**

**Sunshine’s** [**vitamin D**](http://ow.ly/7wLvc?ref=foodconsumer.org) **protects against heart failure**

**More Americans** [**normal weight**](http://ti.me/qSgiFS?ref=foodconsumer.org) **than overweight according to poll**

[**Smiling**](http://ow.ly/7fnZC?ref=foodconsumer.org) **leads to longevity**

[**Keeping busy**](http://on.msnbc.com/okcbsr?ref=foodconsumer.org) **and having friends turns bad fat to good in mice**

[**Moderate drinking**](http://bit.ly/pdeOd1?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may help you stay healthy as you age**

[**Exercise**](http://bit.ly/oaUOV1?ref=foodconsumer.org) **cuts dementia risk, boosts vitamin D , and lowers heart disease risk**

**No link found between** [**cell phones**](http://ow.ly/74JIs?ref=foodconsumer.org) **and cancer**

## **Lifestyle: the Bad News**

[**Mississippi**](http://www.americashealthrankings.org/?ref=foodconsumer.org) **is the unhealthiest state**

[**Foreclosure crisis**](http://ow.ly/74JZ4?ref=foodconsumer.org) **is affecting American's health**

[**Being underweight**](http://ow.ly/7C5sS?ref=foodconsumer.org) **linked to increased risk of Alzheimer’s**

**Slightly elevated** [**blood pressure**](http://hlthych.at/oWuYxq?ref=foodconsumer.org) **may increase risk for stroke**

[**Wi-Fi use**](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8924820/Using-wi-fi-on-a-laptop-damages-sperm-study-suggests.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) **on desktop computers lowers sperm count**

**Watching** [**SpongeBob Squarepants**](http://lat.ms/pawV2m?ref=foodconsumer.org) **hampers kids' brainpower**

**Southerners are more likely to take** [**antibiotics**](http://bit.ly/svQXVh?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Lack of** [**mother-toddler bonding**](http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/mother-toddler-bond-may-influence-teen-obesity?ref=foodconsumer.org) **linked to teen obesity**

## **Health Care Policy & Practice: the Good News**

**Doctors are concerned about "**[**over-treating**](http://lat.ms/qBnzqY?ref=foodconsumer.org)**" patients**

**Many patients are now getting their vaccines from a** [**pharmacist**](http://buswk.co/qGKGHh?ref=foodconsumer.org) **instead of a physician**

[**Healthcare costs**](http://lat.ms/qcbTOU?ref=foodconsumer.org) **are expected to rise at the lowest rate since 1997**

**Analyzing** [**patient data**](http://on.wsj.com/o0cgFR?ref=foodconsumer.org) **could result in fewer hospitalizations**

**The call for** [**price transparency**](http://bit.ly/sETVxO?ref=foodconsumer.org) **in health care**

## **Health Care Policy & Practice: the Bad News**

**Many practitioners busted this year for making** [**fraudulent Medicare claims**](http://buswk.co/nON0QT?ref=foodconsumer.org)

**Many patients don't have a clue as to what their** [**medical bills**](http://www.askapatient.com/resources/healthcarepoll.asp?PollID=43&ref=foodconsumer.org) **will be**

**Improper** [**hand washing**](http://bit.ly/p4MM2z?ref=foodconsumer.org) **by hospital practitioners is leading to more infections**

**Supreme Court rules that VT doctors cannot opt out of** [**sale of Rx data**](http://bo.st/jVwvqn?ref=foodconsumer.org) **by pharmacies**

[**Electronic medical records**](http://www.kpbs.org/news/2011/dec/20/medical-data-breaches-affected-more-10-million-ame/?ref=foodconsumer.org) **might not be secure**

**Americans forgo** [**psychiatrist and psychologist**](http://ow.ly/73Unh?ref=foodconsumer.org) **visits but take more psychiatric drugs than ever. More than 1 in 10 Americans are taking antidepressants but most never see a mental health professional.**

*\-by Chuck Pletcher. Contact him and follow health news at Twitter.com/Askapatient*

*AskaPatient.com has been providing comparative drug information for consumers since 2000\. Operated by Consumer Health Resource Group, LLC, AskaPatient has more than 100,000 patient reviews of prescription drugs. Subscribe to our weekly twitter news feed at* [*www.askapatient.com*](http://www.askapatient.com/?ref=foodconsumer.org)