Your Health: Acetaminophen, adolescents may not mix

Acetaminophen and asthmaTaking acetaminophen seems associated with asthma in adolescents, a new study has found.A survey of some 320,000 14- and 15-year-olds in 50 countries found that those who took acetaminophen at least once a month had more than double the rate of asthma, plus increased cases of eczema and nasal congestion.The study showed a correlation, but did not prove the drug, found in Tylenol, causes asthma. Many other factors, from environment to genetics, are believed to cause asthma.Another superbugResearchers have discovered another new "superbug" which is resistant to almost all antibiotics, including the most powerful "last resort" drugs.The resistant gene in E. coli and another bacteria was noted especially in patients from Pakistan and India.Though few people have been identified with it, the study in "Lancet Infectious Diseases" raised strong concerns about it spreading.Patients who've gotten medical procedures in India were recommended to be screened for multi-resistant bacteria before getting medical care.Heart screeningCardiovascular screenings will be offered from 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the McHenry County Department of Health, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake.The screening requires a 12-hour fast and includes total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, cardiovascular education and heart age assessment. The cost is $35.Heart disease and stroke are the first and third leading causes of death, respectively, in Illinois. Call (815) 334-4536 to schedule a required appointment.