Argus Hamilton HOLLYWOOD — God bless America, and how’s everybody? President Obama bowed low to Japan’s Emperor Akihito when they were introduced in Tokyo Saturday. Earlier this year he bowed to Saudi Arabia’s king. He could be impeached if he doesn’t show the proper respect toward the makers of cars and gasoline. Published in The Messenger 11.18.09 Read More ... Argus Hamilton

Area support groups Al-Anon and Alateen are simple and positive 12-step programs that work for those with family members or friends who have drinking problems or are alcoholics. There is help! Meetings are at 8 Tuesday nights at St. James Episcopal Church at 422 Church St. in Union City. For more information, call 885-3039 or 335-3228. Published in The Messenger 11.18.09 Read More ...

Sexually spread diseases up, better testing cited By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer ATLANTA (AP) — Sexually spread diseases continue to rise, with reported chlamydia cases setting yet another record in 2008, government health officials said Monday. Published in The Messenger 11.18.09 Read More ... AP

FDA says Prilosec can block benefits of Plavix WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health officials say a popular heartburn medication can block the blood thinning effect of Plavix, which is taken by millions of Americans to reduce risks of heart attack and stroke. Published in The Messenger 11.18.09 Read More ... AP

Scanning invisible damage of PTSD, brain blasts WASHINGTON (AP) — Powerful scans are letting doctors watch just how the brain changes in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and concussion-like brain injuries — signature damage of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It’s work that one day may allow far easier diagnosis for patients — civilian or military — who today struggle to get help for these largely invisible disorders. For now it brings a powerful message: Problems too often shrugged off as “just in your head” in fact do have physical signs, now that scientists are learning where and how to look for them. Published in The Messenger 11.11.09 Read More ... AP

Alarming weight gain seen in kids on psych drugs CHICAGO (AP) — Children on widely used psychiatric drugs can quickly gain an alarming amount of weight; many pack on nearly 20 pounds and become obese within just 11 weeks, a study found. Published in The Messenger 11.11.09 Read More ... AP

Area support groups Al-Anon and Alateen are simple and positive 12-step programs that work for those with family members or friends who have drinking problems or are alcoholics. There is help! Meetings are at 8 Tuesday nights at St. James Episcopal Church at 422 Church St. in Union City. For more information, call 885-3039 or 335-3228. Published in The Messenger 11.11,,09 Read More ...

Study ties common antibiotics with birth defects CHICAGO (AP) — Researchers studying antibiotics in pregnancy have found a surprising link between common drugs used to treat urinary infections and birth defects. Reassuringly, the most-used antibiotics in early pregnancy — penicillins — appear to be the safest. Published in The Messenger 11.11.09 Read More ... AP

Twas offering antiques and more in a cozy, country atmosphere Teresa Collins seeks to provide a relaxed country atmosphere in her new business venture — Twas. Read More ...