Birmingham, AL - State health officials warn... there's an increasing prevalence of whooping cough in Alabama... which is potentially fatal to infants.

Right now 21 cases have been reported in Walker County...

the worst outbreak is in the Carbon Hill area.

Children who are not adequately vaccinated with the DTP vaccinations are also at risk.

Statewide...148 cases have been reported in Alabama...

In 2008, 92 whooping cough cases were reported statewide.

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The beat of music may help your beating heart

Doctors say music therapy may help patients who have blood pressure problems or need cardiac rehabilitation.

New study results show that fast-tempo music increased breathing and blood flow, while slow music had the opposite effect.

Blood vessels actually narrowed or widened depending on the pace.

Doctors say the effects of music may help patients experiencing high blood pressure or abnormal heart rates.

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Outdoor summer activities can put people in contact with a summertime bugs...you should try to avoid for your health sake.

The American College of Emergency Physicians reminds us that getting bitten by pesky insects such as mosquitos and ticks...may turn into an emergency.

Doctors say disease carried by insects can cause serious medical problem.

Ticks can carry Lyme Disease..

Symptoms include fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle and joint aches.

Left untreated it can cause debilitating problems.

Mosquitos can carry West Nile Virus..

According to the Centers for Disease control some symptoms people can develop include headaches, vision loss coma and tremors.

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