Health Roundup - January 16, 2007

Not always safe. Know the risks involved in receiving a blood transfusion.

Do the Risks of Blood Transfusions Outweigh the Benefits?
Bacterial infections, among other problems, can cause illness and even fatalities among blood transfusion recipients. The reasons why bloodless transfusions and other alternatives are growing in popularity.
Why Do I Crave Chocolate?
Chocolate's theobromine, and the serotonin response that makes us crave this decadent dessert flavor.
Tea's health benefits diminished with milk
You might want to enjoy your tea "black" (or "green"), instead of British-style with milk, if you want to enjoy tea's health benefits. Milk proteins apparently inactivate some of tea's healthy polyphenols.
California Woman Dies after Drinking Too Much Water
Water intoxication? Yes, it exists, and it can kill. Not as deadly as alcohol, naturally, but hyponatremia is very real, and it can strike even those not competing in "water drinking contests."
Bilingualism delays dementia
Think it's mentally taxing to shuttle between two (or more) languages? Maybe it's a good thing. Knowing more than one language delays degradation of the brain in old age by a few years.