RadioMD News... I'm John Byrd

After years of development, researchers believe they are close to a universal and perhaps even permanent flu vaccine, eliminating the need for repeated shots every year. Currently in testing, experts are hopeful the new vaccine might be ready in just a few short years.

Women in the U.S. are twice as likely to die from causes stemming from pregnancy or childbirth than in Canada, found a new global study. The U.S. was also one of only 13 countries to have worse rates of maternal mortality than they did 25 years ago.

And... as good as coffee might be for your health, it may not be so kind to your waistline. Actually, it's not the coffee itself, but the things we add to it, like sugar and cream. Does this mean you have to drink your coffee black? Not at all. But a few simple adjustments like switching to 2% or nonfat milk and reducing the amount of sugar you add can make a big difference. Something to think about with all those delicious, but fattening holiday coffees around.

For RadioMD News, this is John Byrd. Hear health talk interviews with top experts at RadioMD dot com.