andPOP » Health

Natalie Cole Recovering After Kidney Transplant

Eva Lam — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:31 +0000

Natalie Cole is recuperating following a successful kidney transplant.

The 59-year-old singer received the kidney from a deceased organ donor and was “resting comfortably” in a Los Angeles hospital, her spokeswoman said in a statement Wednesday.

The statement also confirmed that the singer has postponed a planned summer tour in order to recover.

“Ms. Cole’s physicians have advised her to postpone her summer tour dates as she recuperates for the next three to four months,” the spokeswoman said. “Further information about the re-scheduled dates will be available shortly.”

Cole was diagnosed in February 2008 with hepatitis C, a condition she said likely resulted from drug use more than 30 years ago. She had been undergoing kidney dialysis three times a week since September.

Despite her health obstacles, the singer had been touring the world to promote her new album, “Still Unforgettable.” The daughter of late jazz musician Nat King Cole has won nine Grammys over a 30-year career.

Robin Williams Pumping Strong After Successful Heart Surgery

Jeremy Singer — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 01:18:53 +0000

After going under the knife for a weak heart, Robin Williams underwent a successful aortic valve surgery on March 13, and is now recovering at Ohio’s renowned Cleveland Clinic.

“Mr. Williams’ operation went extremely well and we expect him to make a full recovery,” said the hospital’s cardiothoracic surgeon A. Marc Gillinov. “His heart is strong and he will have normal heart function in the coming weeks with no limitations on what he’ll be able to do.”

According to E! News, Williams is already showing signs of his gut-busting sense of humor.

“A couple of hours after surgery, he was entertaining the medical team and making us all laugh,” said his doctor.

Williams postponed the remaining dates of his Weapons of Self-Destruction comedy tour earlier this month after experiencing shortness of breath. After consulting with doctors, it was determined he needed to have surgery.

The comedian has already taken time out from his recovery to thank those involved in his health scare and also look forward to the tour which will most likely pick up in the fall.

“The professionals at the University of Miami Hospital and ultimately the Cleveland Clinic were all fantastic,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough for their kindness and dedication while I was in their care. I must also thank all the people who have expressed their love and concern for me. I have been deeply touched by their support.”

“I can’t wait to get back on the road. I’m thinking the next leg of the tour will be Weapons of Self-Destruction and Reconstruction!”

Hugh Hefner Pushing Strong Despite Reports

Jeremy Singer — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:17:38 +0000

The King of Playboy is 83-years-old and still a trooper.

After Fox News reported earlier today that Hugh Hefner “looked far from his normally alert and healthy self” at Saturday’s Kandykaneland Masquerade Ball at the Playboy mansion with his new girlfriends Crystal Harris and 19-year-old twins Karissa and Kristina Shannon, Hefner said that he’s doing more than fine.

“I am in perfect health,” Hef said. “I’m in very good shape and feeling very good.”

According to E! News, Hef said he had a full night of partying the night before, and was completely normal the following day. “I was up in the morning, played backgammon during the afternoon with a buddy before we watched the final episode of The Girls Next Door,” said Hef.

Does Michael Jackson Have Lupus?

andPOP Staff — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:34:34 +0000

FOXNews is reporting that Michael Jackson has lupus.

However, there are conflicting reports. Spin on the story goes that Jackson’s nanny, Grace Rwaramba, is the one who has lupus. But a source for FOXNews insists that that story is a cover up for Jackson.

Jackson’s health has been the subject of much public discussion when his skin began to pale due to Vitiligo.

Rwaramba currently lives with Jackson in Washington, D.C. as she cares for his three children.

Study Shows Teenagers Embarrassed By Perspiration

Michael Levine — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 15:22:01 +0000

The results of a survey released last week by Certain Dri show that more than 3 million teens between the age of 12 and 18, sweat uncontrollably or above normal amounts, while 14 million teens claim their perspiration is a problem. Statistics already show that as much as 3 per cent of the U.S. population is diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, which is when the body produces more sweat in various places on a person’s body.

“Perspiring is a normal body function, needed to regulate body temperature and keep us cool,” explains Michael Spigarelli, M.D., an adolescent medicine specialist and member of the Society of Adolescent Medicine. “In warmer weather, our body works harder to do this, usually resulting in more noticeable perspiration. Some teens produce more sweat than others, even in a cooler environment.”

“This excessive perspiration or perception of excessive perspiration can be harmful to self-confidence in adolescents and teens,” he adds.

The study revealed that 11 per cent – both male and female – say that the types of clothing worn is directly related to the amount of perspiration their body produces.

“Our bodies — particularly in hot weather — can lose up to a quart of fluid per day, but this is just the average for those individuals who have ‘normal’ perspiration,” explains David Bank, M.D., dermatologist and director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, and medical consultant to Certain Dri(R) Antiperspirant Roll-On.

“Someone with excessive perspiration, or hyperhidrosis, as it’s called, will perspire even more. For the millions of people (teens and adults) with this perspiration condition, the summer months and the skin-bearing wardrobes that come along with the season are a dreaded time.”

Dr. Bank suggests teens try some or all of the following techniques to help tame the sweat:

- Wear loose clothing
- Do not sit in direct sunlight
- Apply a cornstarch based body powder
- Participate in relaxation activities such as yoga
- Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle

More information regarding the survey and how to help fight excessive perspiration, visit http://www.certaindriteen.com/