Measles On Long Island, Fast Food Diet

Medical headlines for Thursday, January 28.

Text of Dr. Sapna Parikh's report:

MEASLES ON LONG ISLAND: One case of measles has been confirmed in a one year old child on Long Island. That child recently traveled abroad to a country where measles is still common. The concern is that the child will spread it to others in the community who may not have been fully vaccinated. That's usually what happens here- we are seeing it right now with a mumps outbreak. Measles is a caused by a very contagious virus. It's spread like a cold or flu. In fact, the first stage of symptoms is a lot like a cold or flu- runny nose, slight fever, cough. Then the eyes become bloodshot and several days to a week later the fever gets higher and a rash develops. It’s a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down.

FAST FOOD DIET: Can you lose weight on a fast food diet? Yes, if you choose only the so called healthy options and exercise. That's the bottom line of this new report from the New York Times. One woman lost 54 pounds by eating at Taco Bell 5 to 8 times a week. She ordered off the healthy menu and worked out. She's now a spokeswoman for the company. And do you remember Jared? He says he lost 245 pounds by eating Subway for lunch and dinner.