The experts say that mild exercise, with sessions varying from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, should be performed by patients under the careful guidance of specially trained physical and occupational therapists, and it can include any combination of leg or arm movements while lying flat in bed, sitting up or standing, or even walking slowly in the corridors of the ICU. The team has since evaluated a number of additional physical rehabilitation therapies, such as cycling in bed using a specially designed peddling device, or stimulating contractions of the leg muscles with overlying electrical pads. Patients can often exercise while still attached to life support equipment, such as a mechanical ventilator that helps them breathe, the group shows.

There’s no doubt about it: Cholesterol drugs have helped save millions of lives. But should these medications be prescribed as preventative medicine for people who do not have cholesterol problems? That’s the question being posed right now as a major drug maker gets ready to market its blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug to the masses. The marketing campaign comes after the Food and Drug Administration approved the expanded use of AstraZeneca's cholesterol pill Crestor in February. An FDA panel found it can benefit patients with healthy cholesterol levels by preventing heart attack, stroke and death. However, not everyone agrees.

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A breakfast of bacon, sausages, eggs, and beans could be the healthiest start to the day, according to new research. Scientists believe that breakfast programmes the metabolism for the rest of the day, and a fatty meal will help the body break down fat later on.Carbohydrate rich foods in contrast appear mainly to prepare the body to break down only carbohydrates, the International Journal of Obesity reports.

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Scientists have finally confirmed what the rest of us have suspected for years: Bacon, cheesecake, and other delicious yet fattening foods may be addictive. A new study in rats suggests that high-fat, high-calorie foods affect the brain in much the same way as cocaine and heroin. When rats consume these foods in great enough quantities, it leads to compulsive eating habits that resemble drug addiction, the study found.

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