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October 2011

Monday October 31, 2011

• 'Hard Hats' Still Have High Rates of Injury, Illness: Report – Hazards faced by construction workers need to be reduced, expert says.
• Could Happy Lives Be Longer Lives? – Study shows an association, but cause-and-effect isn't clear.
• Could Listening to Mozart Help Doctors Spot Colon Polyps? – It may temporarily boost mental skills used while performing colonoscopy, researchers say.
• Dementia May Impede Stroke Recovery – Lasting disability more common for those with previous mental decline, study finds.
• Experts Offer 'Lucky 13' Tips for Safe and Healthy Halloween – List includes what to wear, trick-or-treating pointers, food and drinks to avoid.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 31, 2011
• Health Tip: Get Into the Habit of Exercising – Suggestions to make it part of your day.
• Health Tip: Ice a Sprained Ankle – Here's how to do it.
• Life in U.S. Not Always a Plus for Immigrants' Health – Obesity, hypertension, diabetes soar for Hispanics the longer they live in United States, study finds.
• Many Parents Skipping Kids' Shots, Putting Other Kids at Risk – In California study, 1 in 5 children at some schools intentionally unvaccinated, raising concerns.
• Not All Women at Higher Risk in Families Carrying Breast Cancer Gene – New research refutes earlier findings, should assure women, experts say.
• Obama Acts to Ease U.S. Drug Shortages – Executive order signed in response to tripling of prescription drug shortages.
• Past Trauma May Contribute to Bowel Disorder – Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have suffered stressful events over many years, study finds.
• Report Slams Makers of Sugary Drinks for Targeting Kids – Black and Hispanic children exposed even more than others, researchers found.
• Spooky Contacts Can Be a Nightmare for Your Eyes – Infections, even blindness, may result from nonprescription contact lenses, FDA warns.
• Stomach Bug Easily Passed Among Pro Sports Teams: Report – CDC researchers urge athletes, staff to take steps to prevent spread of norovirus.
• Teens With a Deployed Parent May Be More Prone to Violence – Military kids at greater risk of fighting, carrying weapons and joining gangs, study finds.

Friday October 28, 2011

• Moving Into the Future with New Dimensions and Strategies: A Vision of 2020 for Women's Health Research
• Black Kidney Donors More Likely to Be Related to Recipients – Also more likely to give a kidney to their parents than whites, study shows.
• Daily Aspirin May Help Prevent Colon Cancer for Those at High Risk – People with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary form of cancer, might benefit from 2 tablets a day: study.
• Experts Design 'Toolkit' to Help Spot Teens With Mental Health Issues – Many adolescents with problems are never diagnosed or treated, they say.
• For Older Men, Lowered Testosterone May Mean Muscle Loss – Study shows a link, but one expert says that's no reason to try hormonal supplements.
• Halloween Doesn't Have to be Scary for Your Diet – One tip: Buy candy you don't like so you're not tempted.
• Headaches Take Soldiers Away From War – Medical evacuations because of head pain reduce troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, study finds.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 28, 2011
• Health Tip: Child Bites Can Lead to Infection – Monitor for these warning signs.
• Health Tip: Recognizing Symptoms of Hyperglycemia – High blood sugar may be dangerous.
• High-Tech Suit Lets You Know What It's Like to Be Old – Creation will help make products, services more user-friendly for an aging population, scientists say.
• Job Market Tough for Young Adults With Autism – But strategies can help individuals learn job skills and prepare for the workforce.
• Preschool Peers May Boost Language Skills in Kids – Low-ability students improve when placed in classes with higher-achieving children, study finds.
• Scientists Identify Gene Linked to Cold Sores – Findings could eventually lead to new treatments for outbreaks of oral herpes, researchers say.
• Some People With Alzheimer's Take Conflicting Drugs – Common medications might block action of dementia drugs like Aricept.
• Spooky Contacts Can Be a Nightmare for Your Eyes – Infections, even blindness, may result from nonprescription contact lenses, FDA warns.
• Thyroid Surgery Linked to Improved Sleep Apnea Symptoms – Many patients had less snoring after thyroidectomy, study finds.
• Will Eating Sweets Make You Sweeter? – Researchers find link between food preferences and personality.

Thursday October 27, 2011

• CDC recommends ways to reduce the threat of strokes
• Medicare Part B premiums for 2012 lower than projected
• Children With Head Injuries Can Face Lifetime of Problems – Study documents persistent skill deficits two years after moderate or severe trauma.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 27, 2011
• Health Tip: Coping With Nasal Problems During Pregnancy – Suggestions to ease stuffiness.
• Health Tip: Look for Suspicious Changes in the Breasts – Potential warning signs of breast cancer.
• Many Young Adults Unaware They're Developing Heart Disease – Waist size predicts fatty buildup in arteries better than weight, study says.
• Ovarian Tumors May Develop Years After Fertility Therapy – Risk of nonfatal growths higher than usual in women who had in-vitro fertilization, study finds.
• Slower Walking Speed Linked to Surgical Risk in Elderly – Before surgery, older patients should be assessed differently than younger patients, researchers say.
• Speech Therapy Key to Stroke Rehab, But Many Miss Out – Lack of coverage can keep patients from services even though help is out there, experts say.
• Too Much Drinking May Raise Lung Cancer Risk: Study – Research also found extra pounds, black tea and fruit might all shield against the disease.
• U.S. Health Officials Urge Lifestyle Changes to Cut Stroke Risk – Million Hearts initiative aims to reduces strokes, heart attacks by 1 million in five years.

Wednesday October 26, 2011

• Bond With Teacher Can Help Curb Aggression in Kids – Twins study suggests student-teacher relationship counters genetic disposition to bad behavior.
• Death Toll From Listeria Outbreak Hits 28 – Another 133 people sickened in 26 states, CDC reports.
• Flu Vaccine Isn't Foolproof – Analysis found it only protected healthy adults 60 percent of the time.
• For Those With Mystery Illnesses, a 'Clinic of Last Resort' – Americans with rare, debilitating diseases come to national center hoping for diagnosis.
• Health Tip: Exercise for Stronger Knees – Here are potential benefits.
• Health Tip: Gaining Weight During Pregnancy – What's a safe amount?.
• Larger Food Portions May Be Seen as Status Symbols – People might eat more to feel like big shots, researchers find.

Tuesday October 25, 2011

• Affordable Care Act to help improve care for Medicare beneficiaries
• CDC launches effort to protect cancer patients from infections
• Gene variant increases risk of kidney disease in African-Americans
• Inspiring Financial Empowerment of Women - Department of Labor Blog
• Math disability linked to problem relating quantities to numerals
• Perinatal antidepressant stunts brain development in rats
• Aging Brain's Decline May Hinge on a Gene – But exercise can help counteract this deterioration, study suggests.
• Drinking More Fluids Could Lower Men's Bladder Cancer Risk – The association was not as strong in older males who typically drank less water, study finds.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 25, 2011
• Health Tip: Alcohol Can Interact With Medications – Here's a partial list of examples.
• Health Tip: Clean Dentures Well – Suggestions for proper care.
• HIV Medication Patch Shows Promise in Early Trial – Could help patients adhere to treatment regimens, researchers say.
• Obesity May Hinder Flu Shot's Effectiveness – Study found antibody levels dropped more over time among those who weighed more.
• Parental Training May Benefit ADHD Kids Under 6: Report – Researchers find no evidence that meds help these youngsters, but parents' program seems effective.
• Sleepy Teens More Prone to Weight Gain: Study – Hormones may set stage for weight gain in kids who don't get enough shut-eye, researcher says.
• Soft Drinks Linked to Violent Tendencies in Teens: Study – But association could be due to poor parenting, researchers note.
• Some Asthma Drugs Raise Risk of Complications, Especially in Kids: Study – But pairing these long-acting beta-agonists with inhaled corticosteroids reduced risk.
• U.S. Health Officials Back HPV Vaccine for Boys – The sexually transmitted virus causes a range of cancers, including cervical, penile and oral malignancies.
• Viagra May Help Children With Rare Blood Pressure Disorder – Study found those with pulmonary arterial hypertension could exercise more easily after taking the drug.

Monday October 24, 2011

• BPA Exposure in Womb Linked to Behavioral Woes in Girls – Study found they were more likely to be anxious, hyperactive as toddlers
• Breast Reconstruction Boosts Women's Emotional Well-Being: Study – Surgery using abdominal tissue led to rapid psychological recovery, but had physical side effects.
• Can NSAIDs Cut Colorectal Cancer Deaths in Older Women? – Consistent use of aspirin, ibuprofen associated with about 30% lower death rate, study found.
• Could Airway Abnormality Point to Autism? – Researcher noticed difference in lung structure of children with autism spectrum disorder.
• Do You Really Read Nutrition Labels? – You might if they were better positioned, researchers say.
• Experimental Vaccine Shows Promise for Lung Cancer: Study – Combined with chemo, the shot appears to slow progression of non-small cell form of disease.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 24, 2011
• Health Tip: Children and Bedwetting – What parents can do to help solve the problem.
• Health Tip: Creating a Smoke-Free Home – Doing so will protect your children from second-hand smoke.
• Illegal Silicone Buttock Injections Can Be Deadly: Experts – At least one woman died and others came close after illicit procedures from non-physicians.
• Onfi Approved to Treat Severe Seizures
• Outdoor Time May Reduce Nearsightedness in Children – Kids with myopia spend about four hours less outside each week than others, study shows.
• Weight Gain Might Raise Endometrial Cancer Risk – Extra pounds put on after menopause could up the odds, research suggests.

Saturday October 22, 2011

• Healthy Halloween Advice for Children With Diabetes – Expert suggests ways for kids to keep blood sugar under control, without feeling deprived.
• Nutrition, Hydration Tips Can Give Marathon Runners a Leg Up – Expert offers guidelines on what to eat and drink while preparing and competing.

Friday October 21, 2011

• Blocked Tear Ducts Linked to 'Lazy Eye' in Kids – These children need comprehensive eye examinations, researchers say.
• Breast Cancer Risk May Rise With High Hormone Levels – Women with elevated estrogen, testosterone and other hormones likelier to get breast disease, study finds.
• Cell Phones Don't Raise Brain Cancer Risk, Study Says – One of the largest, longest looks at possible dangers found none, researchers report.
• Femara May Beat Tamoxifen at Preventing Breast Cancer's Return – Estrogen-sensitive cancer responded better to Femara in study funded by drug maker.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 21, 2011
• Health Tip: Kids Should Eat Healthy, Too – What to order for them at restaurants.
• Health Tip: Take Care to Prevent Stress Fractures – Exercise carefully and don't ignore an injury.
• Hockey Fistfights Rarely Cause Injuries, Study Claims – Punches thrown on solid ground pack more power, researchers say.
• Inflamed Adenoids in Kids May Not Be Caused by Stomach Bacteria – Small study found no evidence of Helicobacter pylori in tissue samples.
• More Than 1 in 4 U.S. Kids Witness Violence Between Parents: Study – Children also see parents physically abuse their siblings and other relatives, researchers say.
• New Animal Study Might Explain Jet Lag Differences – Traveling west to east? Blame your brain for the added disruption.
• Older Drivers More Cautious Than Younger Ones After Surgery – That makes older drivers safer drivers, experts say.
• Race Tied to Risk for Arthritis in Large Joints – Study finds higher rates of knee and spine osteoarthritis together in blacks than in whites.
• Research Suggests Penis Might Produce Testosterone – Work in mouse, human tissues show signs male hormones may be generated, but more study needed.
• Some Kids Respond Better to ADHD Drug Than Others – Gene variant may predict which children do better on methylphenidate.
• To the Brain, Seeing a Caress Is as Good as Getting One – In humans, the brain seems to react to other people's sensations, researchers say.

Thursday October 20, 2011

• Afraid to Do the Math? – Study suggests it's negative emotions, not lack of skill, that cause some to struggle.
• Breast Radiation After Lumpectomy Saves Lives: Study – Recurrence rate halved compared to those who undergo breast-conserving surgery alone, research shows.
• Car Crash Injury Risk Greater for Women Drivers: Study – Their smaller size, preferred seating posture may make them more vulnerable.
• Flu Shots for Pregnant Women Also Protect Newborns – New research also suggests that the vaccine does not increase miscarriage risk.
• Food Nutrition Labels Must Be Made Simpler, Experts Say – Doing so would make it easy for people to make healthy choices, IOM committee says
• Foreclosure Crisis Threatening Americans' Health: Study – People who fall behind on mortgage payments more depressed, have food worries, don't take meds.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 20, 2011
• Health Tip: Health Tip: Managing Pain After Surgery – Feeling better can help speed recovery.
• Health Tip: Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy – Suggestions for a healthier mouth.
• Hospital Programs to Reduce Antibiotic Resistance Working: Studies – But not enough hospitals following the guidelines, research finds.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Tied to Higher Risk of Post-Op Blood Clots – Findings suggest clot-preventing measures should be considered in this patient group, researchers say.
• Music Aimed at Teens Often Promotes Drinking: Study – Lyrics commonly associate alcohol brand names with luxury lifestyle, partying behavior, research shows.
• Robins Are 'Super-Spreaders' of West Nile Virus, Expert Says – Common bird A favorite meal for mosquitoes that harbor the disease, research shows.
• Suicide Rates Vary by Region: CDC – Younger Americans, women more likely to think about taking their lives.
• Teen Drivers Prone to 'G-Force' Errors, Researchers Say – Sudden braking, high-speed turns and other common mistakes contribute to higher crash rate.
• U.S. Diet Still Has Too Much Salt, CDC Warns – Efforts needed to cut the 75% of dietary sodium that comes from processed foods, restaurant meals.
• Unvaccinated Kids Behind Largest U.S. Measles Outbreak in Years: Study – Vaccination and quick public health response are limiting these outbreaks, experts say

Wednesday October 19, 2011

• HHS agencies express support for infant safe sleep recommendations
• Melanoma skin cancer has costly and deadly impact on America
• New Go4Life campaign focuses on fitness for older adults
• Antidepressant Use Skyrocketed in Past 20 Years: CDC – Now the most commonly taken prescription drug in adults under 45, researchers find.
• Care for Mentally Ill Vets at VA Centers May Differ Across U.S. – More research urged to explore why discrepancies exist and how they should be addressed.
• FDA: Dirty Conditions Likely to Blame for Listeria Outbreak at Cantaloupe Farm – Toll now stands at 25 people dead, 123 sickened in 26 states.
• Health Care-Related Infections Declined in 2010: CDC – While drop is encouraging, more needs to be done, experts say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 19, 2011
• Health Tip: Feeling the Effects of Air Pollution – Here's how you may be affected.
• Health Tip: Why Am I on Bed Rest? – Typical reasons for this restriction during pregnancy.
• Hypertension, Not Blood Pressure Drugs, Linked to Birth Defects – Study found medications did not raise risk any further.
• Long-Term Unemployment Can Tax Mental Health – Even in resilient people, six months' unemployment has psychological impact, research shows.
• More Facebook Friends, More Gray Matter in Brain? – Finding could explain why some people are more social than others, researchers say.
• New Guidelines Issued for Common Tremor Disorder – American Academy of Neurology has updated recommendations for treating essential tremor.
• Obese, Asthmatic Kids Need Special Care Under Anesthesia – Studies find obese children have twice as many respiratory complications, need less anesthetic.
• Sperm Moves Best for Moderate Exercisers: Study – Lighter or strenuous physical activity associated with less sperm motility.
• Steroids Given to Preemies May Harm Brain Growth: Study – The drugs help breathing but should be used with utmost caution, researchers say.
• Teens' IQ May Fluctuate Over Time: Study – Changes in test scores were reflected in changes in certain brain areas, scientists say.
• U.S. Cancer Groups Release Their Own Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines – They say HPV blood test should supplant Pap smear in some cases, while task force says merits of newer test still unclear.

Tuesday October 18, 2011

• Obama Administration's regulatory reductions to save health care system nearly $1.1 billion
• 'Screen-Free' Play Best for Toddlers' Brains – Even 'educational' programming is less healthy than independent play, experts say.
• Breastfeeding, Vaccinations Lower SIDS Risk, Experts Say – Also in updated guidelines from pediatricians' group: don't use crib 'bumper pads.'
• Factors Identified That May Raise Risk of Early Menopause – Studies suggest links to inflammatory diseases and breast cancer genes.
• Fewer Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure, U.S. Study Finds – Number of cases is down, but there are still too many, expert says.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 18, 2011
• Health Tip: Why Cough? – Here are some common causes.
• Health Tip: Prenatal Care Is Important – Visit a doctor, get screened before baby arrives.
• Hormonal Treatment of Hot Flashes Still OK for Some: Experts – Estrogen alone, at low doses and for short periods, may be safe and effective, report concludes.
• Katrina's Aftermath: Failed Pregnancies for IVF Moms Nationwide – Stress linked to the disaster is probable culprit, researchers say.
• Link Explored Between Colon Cancer, Bacterium – Research could provide clues for diagnosing, treating malignancies, study says.
• Parents, Doctors Often Differ on Chemo for Incurable Kids – Health professionals would usually opt for supportive care alone, study shows.
• Promising Malaria Vaccine May Save Children's Lives – Phase 3 study finds it's not perfect, but could still prevent tens of millions of cases a year.
• Report Tracks Patient Outcomes at 5,000 U.S. Hospitals – Researchers also outline who is using the Internet to compare doctors, hospitals.
• Study Links New Dialysis Technology to Rise in Bleeding Risk – E-beam sterilization associated with clotting complication, researchers say.
• Weight Loss Surgery Can Help Whole Families: Study – Researchers found relatives living with those getting gastric bypass procedure also lost weight.

Monday October 17, 2011

• CDC reports excessive alcohol consumption cost the U.S. $224 billion in 2006
• Fewer Than Half of Kids Hurt in Car Crashes Wearing Seat Belts – Black, Hispanic and Native American children less likely to buckle up, study says.
• Gun Injuries to U.S. Kids Likely Underestimated: Study – ERs treat 20,600 children on average for gunshot wounds a year.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 17, 2011
• Health Tip: Don't Drive When Drowsy – Signs it's time to stop for a rest.
• Health Tip: Make Calorie-Sparing Substitutions – Swap fattening foods for lighter fare.
• Healthier Diet, Stronger Sperm? – Two studies show diet can affect mobility of sperm, quality of semen.
• It's Easy to Mistake Medicine for Candy – In study run by 2 elementary school kids, tots and teachers got mixed up 20% of the time.
• Kids' Sledding Mishaps Can Cause Serious Head Trauma – Campaigns to encourage helmet use needed, researcher says.
• Low-Birthweight Babies at Much Higher Autism Risk – Long-term study found smallest infants were 5 times as likely to have autism spectrum disorders.
• Many Don't Believe Their Obesity is Unhealthy: Study – Research involving ER patients finds poor communication with doctors a big factor.
• New ADHD Guidelines Include Preschoolers, Older Teens – But behavioral therapy should be first treatment in youngest children.
• Profanity on TV Linked to Foul-Mouthed Kids – But study doesn't confirm 4-letter words in media cause kids to cuss.
• Shift Work May Put Teens at Risk for Multiple Sclerosis – Disruption of normal sleep cycle at young age could be partly to blame, Swedish researchers say.
• Social Phobia in Teens Goes Beyond Shyness – Survey results negate common beliefs about this disabling condition.
• Too Many Kids Injured in ATV Crashes, Study Finds – As use of all-terrain vehicles rises, so do accidents, experts say.

Friday October 14, 2011

• National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (October 15) - Statment from CDC Director Fenton
• 1 in 6 Cellphones in Britain Contaminated With 'Fecal Matter' – Study often turned up E. coli, pointing to poor hand-washing as the culprit.
• For Many, Epilepsy Surgery Effective Long-Term – Almost half of patients are seizure-free 10 years later, study finds.
• Genetic Profiling Adds New Dimension to Breast Cancer Treatment – Method allows doctors to determine what will work best for each woman.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 14, 2011
• Health Tip: Does My Pain Mean Endometriosis? – Some common symptoms of the gynecological disorder.
• Health Tip: Parenting a Child With ADHD – Hands-on advice for moms and dads.
• Hormonal Disorder Linked to Pregnancy Complications: Study – Doubled risk of developing diabetes, premature birth seen in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.
• More Children Visiting ERs for Psychiatric Care – Lack of mental health resources might drive the increase, study says.
• Protein May Help Spot Newborns With Brain Damage – Doctors already track GFAP levels to measure brain injury in adults.
• TB Outbreaks in Texas Schools Show Disease Still a Threat – At least 100 people have tested positive for the respiratory ailment.
• Teen Crash Risk High in First Month of Driving, Study Finds – Speeding, inattention, failing to yield are most common mistakes, research shows.
• Wanted: Spouse With Car, Stocks, Bonds – Americans with financial assets and a good education are more likely to get married, study finds.
• White Kids More Likely to Get CT Scans After Head Trauma – Differences only found among blacks, whites, Hispanics in low-risk cases.
• Woman Describes How Breast Cancer Changed Her Life – Her advice to others: Take time to think about your decisions.

Thursday October 13, 2011

• CDC announces new effort to boost number of Baby-Friendly hospitals
• National Eye Institute urges older Americans to protect their vision
• Presidential Proclamation--National Disability Employment Awareness Month
• 1 in 4 With Psoriasis May Have Undiagnosed Arthritis – Missed psoriatic arthritis diagnosis leads to treatment delays, more joint damage, experts warn.
• Could Discrimination Help Trigger Illness in Blacks? – Stress tied to bias might explain race-based disparities in disease rates, researchers say.
• Couples Can Pay a Price for Materialism – Money often a significant source of conflict for those who have it, study shows.
• Globally, 2 Million Deaths a Year Linked to Smoky Stoves – People in developing nations most at risk from fumes from cooking, heating units, experts say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 13, 2011
• Health Tip: Suggestions to Help Manage Angina – Recognize changes to the normal pattern.
• Health Tip: When Symptoms Indicate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Here are common warning signs.
• Oral Bacteria Might Signal Early Pancreatic Cancer – Simple 'spit' test might someday help screen for disease, small study suggests.
• Overzealous Parents, Coaches Take the Fun From Kids' Sports – The result: It might push children away from physical activity.
• People With Mental Health Issues More Likely to Be Uninsured – Study cites less access to recommended care, poorer quality care.
• Smoking Pot Might Up Depression Risk in Vulnerable Teens – Kids with genetic predisposition have more symptoms with marijuana.
• U.S. Heart Disease Rates Keep Falling: CDC – But certain populations still lag behind trend, especially in the South, experts warn.
• Use of Asthma Controller Meds on the Rise Among U.S. Kids – Children's rate of use has doubled since late 1990s, federal report says.
• Why Johnny Won't Go to School – Kids plagued by physical complaints on weekdays may have a 'school avoidance' problem,
• Young Children Collaborate Better Than Chimps – Three-year-old kids preferred to solve problems together, unlike primates.

Wednesday October 12, 2011

• Medicare Open Enrollment begins Saturday -- seniors have more benefits, better choices, lower costs
• More teen males using condoms
• Statement from Secretary Sebelius on World Arthritis Day - October 12, 2011
• Health Tip: Metabolic Syndrome Raises Chance of Cardiovascular Disease – Here are its risk factors.
• Health Tip: Protect Against Infection During Cancer Treatment – While the immune system is weaker.
• Many on Medical Guideline Panels Have Conflicts of Interest: Study – Drug industry connections a possible influence on recommended treatments for cholesterol, diabetes.
• Pot Smoking May More Than Double Crash Risk – Driving dangers rise as marijuana potency and frequency increase, study finds.
• Where Folks Live Plays Role in Health Disparities: Study – Race seems to matter less than living in a poor community, researchers say.

Tuesday October 11, 2011

• Direct-to-Consumer Gene Tests Cause Little Anxiety: Study – But people found to be at low risk for disease by mail-in kits may make poor health decisions, researchers say.
• Environmental Toxins Linked to Hardening of Arteries – Certain pollutants, even if banned, can still linger and cause damage to major heart vessels, study says.
• Extra Vitamin E May Be Associated With Prostate Cancer – Increase in risk is small, but finding suggests that supplement use can be harmful, researchers say.
• Folic Acid in Pregnancy May Prevent Kids' Language Delays – Moms started supplements before conception in Norwegian study.
• Ginger Supplements Might Ease Inflammation Linked to Colon Cancer – But study is too small and preliminary to recommend the herb as a cancer-fighter, experts say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 11, 2011
• Health Tip: Understanding Breast Cancer in Men – Learn about its risk factors.
• Health Tip: When Exercise Causes Hives – Here are possible symptoms.
• Lasers Safe for Removal of Pacemaker Wires in Elderly: Study – The procedure, already used in younger patients, helps avoid open-heart surgery, researchers note.
• Men With Disabilities More Vulnerable to Sexual Assault – They are four times more likely to experience sexual violence, study says.
• Mutant Gene That Ups Risk for Ovarian Cancer May Aid Survival – Study found patients with BRCA2 had better outcomes than those without it.
• Study Suggests Origins of Pregnancy-Linked High Blood Pressure – Father's cells inside the placenta trick mother's immune system, research says.
• Women Say Mammograms Give Them Sense of Control: Survey – Mammography is currently the best tool available to screen for breast cancer, expert contends.

Monday October 10, 2011

• Children's Chest Pain Rarely Cause for Alarm: Study – Common complaint can trigger anxiety for parents, excessive cardiac screenings for kids.
• Health Tip: Choose a Day-care Provider Carefully – Here's what to look for.
• Health Tip: Help Yourself to Remember – Try these memory-boosting suggestions.
• Homosexuality Gaining Wider Acceptance in the U.S. – Support for same-sex marriage has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, survey shows.

Friday October 7, 2011

• As One Life Starts, Another May Be Saved – Donating umbilical cord blood, rich with stem cells, could help others for decades to come.
• Bicycle May Speed Up Parkinson's Diagnosis – Ability to ride a bike helps doctors distinguish between motor disorders, study says.
• Boys With Autism May Grow Faster as Babies – 'Overgrowth' in length, weight and head circumference may signal a problem, study finds
• Cialis Approved to Treat Enlarged Prostate
• ER Crowding May Encourage Poor Hand Hygiene – Gloves are no substitute for infection-preventing hand-washing practices, researchers say.
• FDA Approves First Combo Drug for Diabetes, Cholesterol – Juvisync combines Januvia and Zocor in one pill to lower blood sugar and bad cholesterol.
• FDA OKs Impotence Drug Cialis to Treat Enlarged Prostate – Pill may be especially beneficial for men battling both conditions, agency says.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 7, 2011
• Health Tip: Managing an Anxiety Disorder – Suggestions for getting needed help.
• Health Tip: Store Medications Safely – Follow these guidelines.
• Is Female Hormone Disorder Tied to Familial Heart Risk? – Various forms of heart disease seen in parents of polycystic ovary syndrome patients, study says.
• Juvisync Approved for Type 2 Diabetics With High Cholesterol
• Leukemia Survivor Credits Her Life to Tiny Blood Donors – Cord blood donation moves her from imminent death to 'good to go'.
• Panel's Rejection of PSA Test Spurs Mixed Reaction From Experts – Many still stick by the prostate cancer screen, claiming it saves lives.
• Report: Task Force to Recommend Against PSA Test – The exam for prostate cancer has been controversial for some time.
• Simple MRIs Safe for Children, Study Says – But health risks rise when sedation, contrast dyes are used, researchers say.
• Traffic-Related Pollution Tied to Raised Risk of Preemie Birth – Certain toxins may boost risk by up to 30%, California study finds.
• Winning May Take All Your Brain Power – All areas of brain activate when playing games, study finds.

Thursday October 6, 2011

• More people using free preventive benefits provided by Affordable Care
• Anemia Could Add to Surgical Risks – Likelihood of complications, death higher for patients with this blood disorder, study says.
• Children of Alcoholics Drink More When Stressed – Family drinking history predicts how much alcohol people consume if burdened, study finds.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 6, 2011
• Health Tip: Avoid Distractions Behind the Wheel – Here are some examples.
• Health Tip: Taking Exercise to the Extreme – Signs that you may be a compulsive exerciser.
• Many Medicare Patients Get Surgeries in Last Year of Life: Study – Wide variations seen in number of procedures, depending on region where patient lives.
• Many Years Pass Before Folks Get Help for Drugs, Alcohol – Men tend to wait even longer than women, study finds.
• More Evidence Minorities in U.S. Get Poorer Hospital Care – Elderly black and Hispanic patients over-represented in nation's 'worst' hospitals, study finds.
• More Kids Treated for Concussions in ERs: CDC – Increased awareness of traumatic brain injury may be driving this trend, researchers say.
• MRI Safe With More Recent Defibrillators, Pacemakers: Study – People with newer implanted heart devices can have scans for other medical problems, research finds.
• National Study Will Track Tobacco Use in U.S. – Findings will guide FDA in creating programs, policies to eliminate smoking
• Oxygenating Blood of Hospitalized H1N1 Flu Patients Saved Lives: Study – Those who got the special procedure were half as likely to die.
• Pancreatic Cancer: A Stubborn Foe – Because the organ is located deep inside the abdomen, disease symptoms can be tough to detect.
• Researchers Assess What Works Best to Prevent PTSD – Psychotherapies may outperform an antidepressant, experts say.
• Steve Jobs, Visionary Leader of Apple Inc., Dies at 56 – Prognosis for his rare form of pancreatic cancer was poor.
• Swimming Pool Chemicals Cause Thousands of Injuries: CDC – Agency offers recommendations to cut down on risks.
• Tanning Beds May Be Even Riskier Than Thought – The UV ray type found in sunbeds might reach into skin's most vulnerable layer, study says.
• TV Ads Whet Kids' Appetite for Junk Food – But study finds parents can counteract the influence by encouraging healthy choices.

Wednesday October 5, 2011

• 18 Deaths From Cantaloupe-Linked Listeria Outbreak: CDC – More fatalities may come since illness from the bacteria can take weeks to emerge, experts say
• 3 Hours of Exercise Weekly Can Cut Men's Heart Risks – Study found lowered risk related to higher levels of 'good' cholesterol.
• Breast Cancer Appears Less Deadly for Men Than Women – But study notes male patients more likely to have advanced disease when diagnosed.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 5, 2011
• Health Tip: Getting the Shingles Vaccine – Who is a candidate, and who isn't.
• Health Tip: If You Have Severe Morning Sickness – It's time to call your doctor.
• Omega-3 Supplements Don't Help, May Hurt ICU Patients – Pneumonia, sepsis patients did worse when tube feedings were enriched with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids.
• Raw Sewage a New Frontier for Scientists – Diverse collection of viruses awaits exploration, researchers say.
• Smokers Have Heart Attacks Earlier Than Nonsmokers – And women are more likely than men to need emergency treatment 6 months later, study finds

Tuesday October 4, 2011

• Happy Kids a Product of Genes, Parenting, Study Finds – Positive, supportive home can brighten outlook for children with gloomy dispositions, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 4, 2011
• Health Tip: Get Relief From Bunion Pain – Here are some suggestions.
• Health Tip: Getting a Sports Physical – Why your child may need one.
• Hospital Readmission Rates on the Rise in Older Adults: Study – 1 in 6 Medicare patients ends up back in hospital within a month after discharge, report shows.
• Older Dads Can Pass on Gene Mutations That Lower Intellect – Study suggests changes in chromosomes may account for some cases, especially in older fathers.
• Overweight Kids at Greater Risk for High Blood Pressure – Paves the way for hypertension in adulthood, researchers say.
• Poorer Women More Likely to Die From Breast Cancer – Less access to cancer screening and treatment is to blame, report says.
• Stress May Affect Preemies' Brains, Study Shows – Intensive-care stressors range from diaper changes to invasive procedures.

Monday October 3, 2011

• Social media may help identify college drinking problems
• Cheap Drug Helps Smokers Quit, Study Finds – Cytisine has been around for decades, but is not available in U.S.
• Conviction Rates Similar for Suspects of Child, Adult Murder in Utah – Most child abuse homicide suspects are white dads, researchers say.
• Could Surgery, Anesthesia While Very Young Hamper Kids' Development? – Study suggests link for multiple procedures for those under 2, but more research needed.
• Early, Intensive Therapy Better for Kids With Autism, Study Finds – Social, communication skills improved more when treatment started at early age.
• Facebook Pages May Offer Clues to Underage Drinking – For underage college students, risks rose as online references to boozing went up, study found.
• General Anesthesia Does Not Boost Cancer Risk, Study Finds – New research doesn't support previous reports of a link between cancer and anesthesia.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 3, 2011
• Health Tip: Practice Food Safety at Parties – Serve a buffet safely.
• Health Tip: Undergoing Cardiac Rehab – What you may achieve.
• HPV-Linked Oral Cancers on the Rise, Study Finds – Oral sex may be means of tumorr-causing virus transmission in many cases, experts say.
• Mild Strokes May Have Hidden Effects – High rates of depression, sleeplessness common, study shows.
• Mom's Healthy Diet Might Cut Birth Defect Risk – Prevention involves overall eating, not just supplements, experts say.
• Preemies May Be at Higher Risk of Epilepsy Later in Life – Swedish infants born very preterm were at 5 times the risk of full-term infants, study finds.
• Rest Assured, Parents, Teens Really Do Get Smarter With Time – Older teens faster at math, vocabulary and problem-solving than younger ones, study shows.
• Smoking May Double Risk for Stroke – Those attacks occur about a decade sooner than for non-smokers, study finds.
• Some U.S. Parents Ignoring Vaccination Guidelines – More than one in 10 opt to skip doses or delay shots, study found.

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Content last updated October 31, 2011.

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