News lifestyle 2008-06-02 Andanh.com

Child cancer figures vary by region Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:05 EDT
Surprising research suggests that childhood cancer is most common in the Northeast, results that even caught experts off-guard. But some specialists say it could just reflect differences in reporting.

The large government study is the first to find notable regional differences in pediatric cancer. Experts say it also provides important information to bolster smaller studies, confirming that cancer is rare in children, but also more common in older kids, especially white boys.

The study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is based on data representing 90 percent of the U.S. population. It found that cancer affects about 166 out of every million children, a number that shows just how rare childhood cancers are.

The highest rate was in the Northeast with 179 cases per million children, while the lowest was among children in the South with 159 cases per million. Some experts suggested that could mean there is better access to care in the urban centers of the Northeast, leading to more diagnoses.

The rates for the Midwest and West were nearly identical, at 166 cases per million and 165 per million, respectively.

Frugal cooks can save money just by planning ahead Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:51 EDT

As gas and grocery prices continue to rise, we are changing the way we eat and shop.

According to the Food Marketing Institute, economic concerns are compelling Americans to cook at home more and make fewer trips to the grocery store. The FMI Grocery Shopper Trends 2008 report that was released in May shows that consumers have trouble planning meals, especially dinner. Twenty-eight percent of consumers don't know what they will eat two hours before dinner time on weekdays, and that leads to many fast-food stops.

Yet, people who have a well-stocked pantry can come up with a meal in less time than it takes to pick up a ready-made meal . and it usually costs less.

The grocery store where Linda McMaine of Madison County shops is about 10 miles from her home. She learned to combine trips, and she shops for major items only once a month.

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