Some risk factors are easier to detect than others. Science is now looking at a molecule called C-reactive protein. Professor George Johnson discusses whether people should have a test for CRP.

The sudden passing of NBC newsman Tim Russert came as a shock. At 58, he died so young. Even more alarming, he had passed a stress test recently and had logged time on a treadmill on the day of his death.The questions on many minds: How is this possible? Can this happen to me?

The Kennedy family has faced enormous challenges, but none quite like the brain tumor Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is dealing with. Two St. Louis families who lost loved ones to brain cancer – the Millstones and the Esstmans  – are chronicled here to shine a light on the issues the Kennedys and others may encounter.

In this second of a two-part series, Pat Millstone talks about her husband, Jim, (right) and his battle. To read about how Suzy Esstman tackled the disease, click here .

That's Albert Pujols, not Einstein. Ever watch the slugger lift a long one into the bullpen and wonder what goes into making a batted ball a home run? Professor George Johnson explains. 

Photo Copyright St. Louis Cardinals 

In an ironic twist, concern over the environment may help revive the nation's long dormant nuclear power industry. For the first time since 1978, applications for new licenses are being submitted, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission had extended the licenses of roughly half the plants on line. But have the environmental issues that helped derail nuclear power in the '80s been resolved? Image from SXC.HU

Many patients suffering from heart failure are getting implantable cardiac devices that are unlikely to increase their chances for survival, says Dr. Paul Hauptman, cardiologist and professor of internal medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He and his colleagues published their findings in a new study that is currently online and slated to be released in an upcoming American Journal of Cardiology.

Dr. Cindy Haines is a family physician in St. Louis, managing editor of HealthDay-Physician's Briefing and president of Haines Medical Communications Inc. Her weekly column on health care issues will appear in the Beacon each Friday.

The Kennedy family has faced enormous challenges, but none quite like the brain tumor Sen. Edward M. Kennedy is dealing with. Two St. Louis families who lost loved ones to brain cancer – the Millstones and the Esstmans  – are chronicled here to shine a light on the issues the Kennedys and others may encounter.

In part one, read about how Suzy Esstman tackled the disease. In part two, Pat Millstone talks about her husband's battle.

In Korea, tens of tousands are demonstrating while the prime minister and cabinet have tendered their resignations in an attempt to calm the public outcry. Why? Fear of American beef and mad cow disease. George Johnson explains the disease and the danger.

Photo from USDA 

Dr. Emily Storch still doesn't remember the highway accident that nearly took her life.

She does recall coming out of her coma a month later, overcoming amnesia and discovering that some doctors thought she would never walk again.

For the first time, medical researchers are taking a close look at preventable complications – some fatal – that occur at children’s hospitals nationwide. In most cases, the complications do not lead to deaths, but to infections and other maladies .

Dr. Cindy Haines is a family physician in St. Louis, managing editor of HealthDay-Physician's Briefing and president of Haines Medical Communications Inc. Her weekly column on health care issues will appear in the Beacon each Friday.