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October 2012

Friday October 26, 2012

• Health Tip: What's Behind a Sore Throat? – Sinus or throat infections are common causes.
• Symptoms of Ankle Fracture – Among them are bruising and swelling.

Thursday October 25, 2012

• Cases Linked to Fungal Meningitis Now Number 328 – People in 18 states sickened; death toll remains at 24, CDC says.
• Foot Ulcers Tied to Increased Death Risk for People With Diabetes – Better care for both conditions needed, study authors say.
• Foster Kids Adopted by Same-Sex Parents Make Big Gains, Study Says – Children progressed as quickly as those placed in heterosexual homes.
• Get Ready for Hurricane Sandy, Experts Warn – Its severity could rival 1991's 'perfect storm,' forecasters predict.
• Harmful Chemicals Found in Day Care Centers, Study Says – High levels of formaldehyde detected in California facilities.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 25, 2012
• Health Tip: Enjoy a Healthier Halloween – You don't have to serve up 'junk food'.
• Health Tip: Exercise for People Who Have Had Breast Cancer – It helps them regain strength.
• Obese Boys, Impotent Men? – Small study found lower testosterone levels in heavy young males, but more research needed.
• Partisanship Guides Americans' Attitudes on Health-Care Reform Law: Poll – As presidential election nears, Republicans tend to see the effects as negative, while reverse is true for Democrats.
• Secret of Anesthesia Revealed, Study Says – Mice provide clues to how you're 'put to sleep.'
• Short Bursts of Intense Exercise Can Fight Weight Gain: Study – Sprint-interval training burns up to 200 extra calories daily, researchers say.
• Smokers at Higher Risk of Another Stroke: Study – Quitting before brain attack occurs cuts chances of second stroke, heart attack or death.
• Speed-Learning a New Language May Help Brain Grow: Study – Scans before and after 13-month program found changes in newly fluent adults.
• Staying Home With Sick Kids Causes Job Worries for Parents: Survey – Many ill children aren't allowed to attend day care.
• Study IDs 4 Key Habits of Successful Aging – Exercising, not smoking, moderate drinking, eating fruits and vegetables may help thwart chronic disease.
• Supplement of Red Wine Ingredient Won't Help Healthy Women: Study – Resveratrol taken as a pill offered no benefits for those without health issues.
• West Nile Cases Pass 4,700 Mark Nationwide: CDC – Number of deaths now stands at 219, up from 183 last week.

Wednesday October 24, 2012

• Can Your Body 'Sense' the Future? – Evidence review suggests body may anticipate what's coming better than the conscious brain.
• Does Sleep Apnea Offer Some Protection During Heart Attack? – People with the condition seem to suffer less damage to heart from nonfatal attack, researchers suggest.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 24, 2012
• Health Tip: Learn About the A1C Test – It helps monitor blood sugar over time.
• Health Tip: Stay Safe This Halloween – Avoid trick-or-treating hazards.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: Safe or Not? – Most recent research suggests short-term use OK for younger menopausal women, but not for older women.
• Mass. Launches Criminal Probe of Firm Linked to Meningitis Outbreak: Report – Count now stands at 23 dead, 308 sickened in 17 states, CDC says.
• Targeted Radiation for Breast Cancer May Cause More Complications – Study found brachytherapy had higher rates of wound, skin problems than whole-breast treatment in older women.
• Tired? Your Dog Is Yawning Right Along With You – Yawn contagion is a sign of animal empathy, study finds, except for youngest puppies.

Tuesday October 23, 2012

• 'Off-Label' Use of Meds Routine in Pediatric ICU – But not enough is known about their safety and effectiveness in children, researcher says.
• 10-Minute 'Tension Tamer' at Bedtime May Help You Sleep: Study – Nightly routine uses positive mental imagery, slow deep breathing.
• 3-D Mammograms Might Be Safer, More Accurate, Early Study Shows – New technique produces better images at lower radiation dose.
• Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C May Thwart Liver Cancer – Incidence halved by treatment, study finds.
• Colonoscopy Screening May Have Cut Colon Cancer Rates – Large, 20-year study found upper colon cancer cases decreased as Medicare coverage expanded.
• Doctors Warn About High Levels of Caffeine in Some Energy Drinks – Concerns follow reports that Monster beverages may have been linked to five deaths in recent years.
• Faces 'Morphed' for Man When Scientists Tweaked His Brain – Study gives insights into how humans recognize other individuals.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 23, 2012
• Health Tip: Don't Take the Wrong Medication – Suggestions to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Health Tip: Wash Your Hands – Especially when preparing or serving food.
• Hospitals Should Test More Teen Girls for Pregnancy, Study Suggests – Tests are recommended for girls who have abdominal pain or are receiving X-rays, CT scans.
• Is Perfect Pitch Genetic? – Study suggests this form of musical know-how is not simply training-related.
• Kids Still Swallowing Magnets Despite Warning Labels – When more than one is ingested, they can cause life-threatening complications in stomach, bowel.
• Many Studies' 'Wow' Results Usually Fade in Follow-Up – Most treatments offer only modest benefits, reports large review.
• Powerful People Tend Not to Return Smiles, Study Says – They're less inclined to mimic others' expressions, researchers contend.
• Records Show Problems at Steroid Pharmacy as Far Back as '06 – Meningitis outbreak count now stands at 23 dead, 308 sickened: CDC.
• Smoking, Diabetes Are Risk Factors for Poor Leg Circulation: Study – High blood pressure, high cholesterol are other danger signs for peripheral artery disease in men.
• Stimulation Device for Esophagus Might Ease GERD Symptoms – Three small, early studies found the device helped for at least a year.

Monday October 22, 2012

• Approval Expanded for Sapien Artificial Heart Valve
• Beans a Boon for People With Diabetes, Study Finds – Eating more legumes, such as beans, lentils and chickpeas, can lower blood sugar, blood pressure.
• Boys Hit Puberty Sooner Now, Study Finds – Findings mirror research on girls, but study doesn't pinpoint why.
• Bullying May Be Linked to Mental Disorders – Depression triples the odds of becoming a bully, study says.
• Cheerleading Needs Safety Guidelines, Pediatricians Say – American Academy of Pediatrics says more complex stunting, acrobatics call for greater surveillance.
• Cyberbullying Rarely Single Factor in Teen Suicides: Study – Researcher says anonymity may encourage online bullying.
• Exercise May Beat Socializing at Staving Off Brain Shrinkage – Study also found physical activity more protective than mental stimulation.
• Fertility Treatments May Raise Risk for Birth Defects: Study – But researchers say couples shouldn't be alarmed because absolute risk is small.
• Fycompa Approved for Epileptic Seizures
• GI Bleeding Deaths Drop in U.S., Study Finds – As treatment improved over 20 years, costs most than doubled.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 22, 2012
• Health Tip: Secure Your Child in a Booster Seat – Make sure it's used properly.
• Health Tip: Signs of Heart Attack in Women – They can be different than in men.
• Heart Disease Risk Factors Also Tied to Death From Prostate Cancer – Following prevention guidelines might have added benefit for men, study suggests.
• Kids With Stressed-Out Parents Eat More Fast Food: Study – Child obesity was more likely as parental stress scores rose.
• Lack of Sleep May Trip Up Student Athletes – Less shuteye, higher grades linked to increased injuries in study.
• Lance Armstrong Stripped of Tour de France Titles – Doping scandal has already caused cyclist to step down as head of cancer charity.
• Less Frequent Pap Tests Safe for Most Women, Ob/Gyn Group Says – New guidelines recommend cervical cancer screening every 3 to 5 years.
• Little Evidence Organic Food Better in Long Run: Report – But pediatricians' group acknowledged that lower pesticide levels may be better for growing brain.
• Many Grandparents Lack Latest Child Safety Info: Study – Not all caregivers aware of guidelines on car seats, infant sleep, walkers.
• Many High School Football Players Ignore Signs of Concussion: Survey – Although they're aware of the dangers, they say they don't want to be banned from playing
• Marijuana, Real or Fake, Can Lead to Unusual Gastro Problem – Case studies of cannabinoid hyperemesis describe bouts of nausea, vomiting, pain.
• Meningitis Outbreak Toll Now 23 Dead, 297 Sickened: CDC – Fungus found in steroid produced by Massachusetts pharmacy, officials reveal.
• More Americans Have High Blood Pressure Under Control: Survey – Improvement in past decade attributed to more treatment with drug combinations.
• More Antibiotic Use Tied to Rise in Diarrheal Infections in Hospitals: Study – Kids, elderly especially vulnerable to serious consequences from C. difficile bacteria.
• More Evidence Links Bullying, Abuse to Suicidal Thoughts in Youth – Study found sharp rise in risk when kids face 7 or more types of victimization.
• Panel Rules Against HRT for Preventing Chronic Disease – Updated recommendations don't address relief of menopausal symptoms.
• Post-Flight Fainting May Signal Dangerous Blood Clot: Study – Long-distance flights can increase people's risk for pulmonary embolism, researchers say.

Friday October 19, 2012

• 'Plugged-In' Teens Vulnerable in Traffic: Study – Research shows they're more likely to be hit by cars while using electronic devices.
• Blood Infections in ICU Cut With Simple Measures: Study – Using antibacterial soap, ointment slashed number of MRSA cases.
• Egg Freezing as Viable as 'Fresh' Eggs, Fertility Experts Say – As with traditional method, less success with pregnancies seen in older women.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 19, 2012
• Health Tip: Encourage Your Family to Exercise – They'll have more energy for fun activities.
• Health Tip: Is Your Child a Biter? – These actions may help curb the practice.
• High-Carb Diet in Old Age Linked to Mental Decline – Elderly who consumed the most carbohydrates, sugar had more memory, thinking problems, study finds.
• Kids With Autism Find It Hard to Describe Poor Behavior, Study Finds – Scans showed less brain activity in areas involved with language when these kids saw others being bad.
• Low Calcium Linked to Hormone Condition in Women – Lowest levels may raise risk of overactive parathyroid glands, which can weaken bones, study says.
• Post-Op Radiation May Boost Results for Prostate Cancer Patients: Study – Approach might work best for younger men and patients whose tumors show signs of spread.
• Texas-Mexico Border Violence May Harm Kids' Mental Health – Behavior problems reflect continuing crime in Mexico, study shows.

Thursday October 18, 2012

• Accidents Claim 12,000 U.S. Kids' Lives Each Year: Report – Boys face twice the risk as girls.
• Blood Test May Help Define Breast Cancer Risk in Older Women – Early study suggests levels of certain hormones may add to list of disease risk factors.
• Breast-Feeding Might Cut Risk for Tough-to-Treat Breast Cancer: Study – Researchers found association between time spent nursing and risk of hormone-negative tumors.
• Can Allergies Thwart Fatal Colon Cancer? – Immune responses that trigger hay fever, asthma might also ward off malignancies, study says.
• Caring Parents Less Likely to Raise a Bully, Study Finds – Encouraging academics, positive communication are key.
• Colorful Detergent 'Pods' a Danger for Children: CDC – Report found 94 percent of poisonings were among kids aged 5 and younger.
• Could Green Tea Help Fight Prostate Cancer? – Drinking six cups daily before prostate removal surgery lowered disease-related inflammation levels
• Dad's Advice Could Be Key to Teens' Sexual Activity – More communication may translate to less sex, review suggests.
• Depression Brings Worries About Discrimination, Study Finds – This may keep many people from seeking needed treatment, researchers note.
• Depression, DNA Linked to Higher Death Risk in Bladder Cancer Patients – However, study did not prove a cause-and-effect link.
• Fewer Children for Women After Ectopic Pregnancy: Study – Those who've had miscarriage, abortion or healthy delivery have more babies in the long-term.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 18, 2012
• Health Tip: Am I at Risk for Endometriosis? – Irregular menstruation is a typical warning sign.
• Health Tip: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Have heating systems serviced annually.
• House Dust Ingredient Linked to Allergic Asthma: Study – Cleaning can reduce exposure to flagellin, a bacterial protein.
• Jetrea Approved to Treat Eye Condition
• Latest Meningitis Outbreak Toll: 20 Deaths and 257 Infections, CDC Says – Fungus found in steroid produced by Massachusetts pharmacy, officials reveal.
• Menopause Won't Spur Weight Gain, But May Boost Belly Fat: Review – Experts suggest women use menopause as motivation to take charge of their health.
• More U.S. Women Turning to Long-Acting Contraceptives: CDC – Pill remains leading method of choice, but devices such as IUDs becoming more popular.
• Nationwide Study Examines Common Heart Procedures – Patients undergoing angioplasty, stent placement more likely to be overweight, smoke, have high blood pressure.
• Some With Alzheimer's Better Off Staying on Antipsychotics: Study – Agitation, aggression more likely to return in those who stopped taking Risperdal, research shows.
• Weight-Loss Surgery Tied to Drop in Heart Risk Factors – Procedure cut blood pressure, other causes of stroke, heart attack, study says.

Wednesday October 17, 2012

• Antioxidants in Tea, Fruit, Veggies Might Fight Prostate Cancer: Study – Preliminary research found men who consumed more flavonoids had milder form of the disease.
• Blood or Bone Marrow Better for Stem Cell Transplants? – No survival differences found, but blood cells may be associated with more chronic side effects.
• Brain Scans Suggest Downside to Skipping Breakfast – Small study found fasting prompts people to seek out high-calorie foods.
• Common Antidepressants May Raise Stroke Risk a Bit, Study Finds – But individual risk posed by SSRIs remains extremely low, experts noted.
• Docs: Heart Device Might Be Breakthrough for Muscular Dystrophy – Ohio man among the first to receive the technology, aimed at preventing fatal heart failure.
• FDA Agents Visit Mass. Company Linked to Meningitis Outbreak – Deaths rise to 19, infections climb to 247, CDC says.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 17, 2012
• Health Tip: Treating Swimmer's Ear – See a doctor.
• Healthy Lifestyle Boosts Survival Odds for Older Women With Cancer – Regular exercise had most significant benefit in study.
• Is Your Brain Working as You Nap? – The right hemisphere 'is doing important things in the resting state,' researchers say.
• Lance Armstrong Resigns as Chairman of Cancer Foundation – Move comes after more allegations surfaced in bike-doping scandal.
• More Evidence Linking Creativity, Mental Illness – Are new approaches needed to safeguard benefits of psychiatric disorders?
• Multivitamins May Slightly Lower Men's Cancer Risk: Study – Researchers found a 'modest' 8 percent reduction.
• New Vaccine Strategy May Fight Genital Herpes, Mouse Study Suggests – Approach may also protect against other sexually transmitted infections, researchers say.
• Painkiller Abuse by Kids Way Up, Study Finds – Addiction among current generation higher than any group in history.
• Psoriasis Drug May Help People With Crohn's Disease: Study – Stelara could be option for patients resistant to standard meds, experts say.
• Race, Income Tied to Late Colon Cancer Diagnoses, Study Finds – Delay raises risk for complications, death.
• Study Sees Link Between Prolonged Formula Feeding, Leukemia Risk – But the research only uncovered an association, it didn't prove cause and effect.
• Surgery May Spur Rise in Heart Deaths After Cancer Diagnosis: Study – Suggests that stress may not be the culprit behind the phenomenon.
• Videos of Real-Life Stumbles May Help Fall-Prevention Efforts – Seniors most at risk when they shift their weight and lose their center of gravity, analysis shows.
• West Nile Cases Pass 4,500 Mark Nationwide: CDC – Number of deaths now stands at 183, up from 168 last week.

Tuesday October 16, 2012

• Alcoholism Shortens Life More Than Smoking: Study – Women have the highest risk of dying prematurely, researchers report.
• Brain Recovery From Alcoholism Seen Soon After Abstinence: Study – Some regions take longer to heal; researchers say extended treatment programs might help.
• Cholesterol Levels Dropping in U.S. Adults, Mostly From Statin Use – CDC study suggests fewer trans fats in diet may have also played a role.
• Epilepsy Drug Shows Promise as Weight-Loss Aid, Study Says – Zonisamide plus nutritional counseling worked for certain obese adults, but not without side effects.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 16, 2012
• Health Tip: Help Keep Head Lice From Coming Back – Suggestions to prevent reinfestation.
• Health Tip: What to do About Corns and Calluses – Leaving them alone may be the best answer.
• Many Older Heart Attack Survivors Don't Stick With Meds – That could spell trouble for their future health, study says.
• Millions of Healthy Years of Life Lost to Cancer Worldwide – Study findings illustrate disease's burden 'quite starkly,' author says.
• More Drugs Linked to Meningitis Outbreak: FDA – Investigating reports of fungal infections in 2 heart transplant patients.
• More Drugs Linked to Meningitis Outbreak: FDA – Fungal meningitis cases jumped to 231 on Tuesday, along with 2 cases of joint infection.
• More Testosterone, Less Deceit? – Men with higher levels of the hormone cheated less in a game of chance, study found.
• Multivitamins Won't Boost Standard HIV Care, Study Finds – Tanzanian trial found no better disease outcomes, and even hints at harm.
• New DNA Test Shows Promise for Spotting Colon Cancer – Early study showed it could detect both cancerous and precancerous cells in colon.
• Pain Level After Car Crash Could Depend on Your Genes, Studies Say – Findings might lead to better treatment for people with less obvious injuries.
• Parents' Love in Infancy Pays Off Later, Study Finds – School-age kids had fewer psychological woes if even one parent formed a strong bond early on.
• Preemies Born to Poor Families May Face Higher Risk for Brain Bleeds – These hemorrhages can have long-lasting effects and are expensive to treat, researchers say.
• Rising Eye Injury Rates Seen With Robotic Prostate Surgery – Patient position during procedure or other unknown cause may lead to scratches on cornea.
• Tainted Steroid Injections May Affect Those Treated for Joint Pain – Knees, shoulders and hips are common targets, and infections can be dangerous, doctors say.
• Vaginal Ring Delivers HIV Drug in Animal Study – If it works in women, it could be used for other medicines, researchers say.
• When Adults Smoke in Cars, Child Passengers Suffer: Study – Even with window open or air conditioner on, kids still exposed to secondhand smoke.

Monday October 15, 2012

• 'Mother's Kiss' Method May Dislodge Items Kids Put in Nose – Simple technique appears to be safe and effective, review suggests.
• Big, Rapid Gains Made in Human Lifespan: Study – Researchers say 72 is the new 30.
• Botox Shows Promise Against Persistent Neck, Shoulder Pain – Small study found it helped patients for whom typical treatments had failed.
• Drop in Illicit Drug Use in Cities, Uptick in Prescription Drug Abuse – ER visits from street drugs declined 8 percent in 3-year period, study found.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 15, 2012
• Health Tip: Beat Boredom – Keep exercise fresh and fun.
• Health Tip: Need Help for Brittle Nails? – Protect them from moisture.
• HPV Shot Doesn't Encourage Sexual Activity in Girls: Study – No increase seen in STDs, pregnancy or birth control counseling.
• Kids Who Sleep a Bit Longer Behave Better in School, Study Finds – Extra half-hour a night made a difference in alertness, attention.
• Language Barrier Blocks Epidural Use in Childbirth: Study – Efforts needed to inform Spanish-speaking women about their pain relief options, research suggests.
• Measuring Brain Plaques May Yield Clues to Alzheimer's Risk – Changes can be detected and measured while older people are still healthy, researchers say.
• Meningitis Outbreak Tied to 15 Deaths, 205 Cases: CDC – Illnesses linked to tainted steroid injections have spread to 14 states, agency reports.
• Obesity Helps Spur Cancer's Growth, Mouse Study Suggests – Finding might explain why obese cancer patients fare worse than normal-weight peers.
• Secondhand Smoke Ups Babies' Risk of Asthma, Study Says – Premature infants especially susceptible to ills of cigarette smoke.
• Sitting Can Harm Health, Even for Those Who Exercise – Review of data finds too much chair time doubles odds for diabetes, heart disease and death.
• Sleepless Nights Might Raise Odds for Diabetes – After being sleep deprived in study, the body's response to insulin was sluggish.
• Some Boys With ADHD May Struggle as Adults – Study found 20% more likely to have trouble with schooling, relationships or jobs.
• Study Shows Bicycle Helmets Save Lives – For cyclists killed in crashes, head injury much more likely among non-helmet wearers.
• Weight-Loss Surgery May Boost Risk for Alcohol, Drug Abuse: Study – Patients need education before procedure, psychological follow-up, experts say.

Friday October 12, 2012

• 'Believing' Propels Cancer Survivors to Exercise, Study Finds – Experts suggest developing an activity schedule, signing a 'contract' with a supportive friend.
• 7 Daily Servings of Fruits, Veggies Best for Happiness, Study Finds – 'Strive for 5' might need an update.
• Abraxane Approved to Treat Advanced Lung Cancer
• B Vitamin Supplements Don't Affect Colon Cancer Risk: Study – Findings are reassuring, experts say.
• CDC: Meningitis Infections Now Total 185 in 12 States – Death toll linked to contaminated steroid injections remains at 14.
• Coffee May Speed Up Bowel Recovery From Colon Surgery – Normal function resumed more quickly than for water drinkers alone, study found.
• Consistent Criteria for Sports Concussion Might Aid Diagnosis – Relying on athletes' reported symptoms could miss serious head injuries, study suggests.
• Could Stem Cells Treat Autism? Newly Approved Study May Tell – Children will receive infusion of stem cells from their own umbilical cord blood.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 12, 2012
• Health Tip: Choosing the Right Running Shoes – Consider your arches.
• Health Tip: Exercising in Cold Weather – Prevent loss of too much body heat.
• Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Monday – Officials say there are more highly rated health plans to choose from in 2013.
• Nearby Livestock May Raise 'Superbug' Risk – Odds of carrying MRSA rose even for those who had no contact with animals, study finds.
• Official: Pharmacy Tied to Meningitis Outbreak May Have Broken State Law – More calls for greater oversight of so-called compounding pharmacies.
• Parents May Be Taking Concussion Symptoms Too Lightly: Survey – Many don't seek medical evaluation for children or themselves after head injuries.
• Pre-Test Jitters Might Boost Scores: Study – A little anxiety seemed to help kids with good working memory, research found.
• Spirituality Central to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Study Finds – Strong body-mind connection to good health is core belief.
• Study Reveals the Many Ways Sexual Assault Harms Women – A wide range of social and psychological effects often go undiagnosed in victims, experts say.
• Teens Who Self-Harm Need Adult Influences, Professional Help: Expert – In survey, hopelessness was a major factor among kids who attempted suicide.
• Treating Sleep Apnea Might Ease High Blood Pressure, Too – In study, hypertension improved with sleep disorder treatment known as CPAP.

Thursday October 11, 2012

• Another Meningitis Scare Emerges, Targeting NYC's Gay Men – Cases of deadly bacterial infection are rising sharply among HIV-infected males, health officials report.
• As Armstrong Case Unfolds, Experts Describe Doping's Harms – Heart disease, liver disease and behavior problems are among possible health consequences.
• Depression Stigma May Be Fading: Survey – In poll released to coincide with National Depression Screening Day, most said they would seek treatment if needed.
• Diet, Exercise May Boost 'Good' Cholesterol, Study Suggests – Benefits of lifestyle changes go beyond weight loss for diabetes patients, researcher says.
• Drugs to Prevent Alzheimer's to Be Tested in Large Trial – New treatments target amyloid beta plaque; volunteers destined to have the brain disease.
• Eye Docs Must Do More to Spot Unsafe Older Drivers: Study – Survey reveals areas where they could improve care.
• Health Care Is No. 2 Concern on Voters' Minds – Study analyzed 37 national opinion polls, found only economy more important.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 11, 2012
• Health Tip: Avoid Spreading Pinkeye – Teach kids to wash hands often.
• Health Tip: Using an Antihistamine – Before you take one, speak to your doctor.
• Healthy Lungs May Keep Brain Running Smoothly – Swedish study found link between problem-solving ability, lung function.
• HIV Diagnoses Among U.S. Hispanics Vary By Region: CDC – Rate of diagnoses highest in Northeast, but largest percentage occurred in the South.
• Many Seniors Overpaying for Medicare Drug Plans: Study – More information about cheaper options could save beneficiaries hundreds of dollars a year.
• Meningitis Outbreak Throws Spotlight on 'Compounding' Pharmacies – Raises questions about cost-cutting pressure in health care and lack of oversight, experts say.
• Meningitis Toll Now 14 Dead, 170 Sick: CDC – Company at center of the outbreak had encountered problems with tainted shots before, reports say.
• Service That Speeds Up Breast Cancer Diagnosis Pays Off: Study – Assistance from so-called 'patient navigators' may improve odds for survival, researchers say.
• Social Media Could Boost Condom Use, Study Suggests – Facebook community made strides by focusing on prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Wondering About Your Hospital's Quality? Ask a Nurse – Research finds they have accurate insights into level of care provided.
• Zinc Harder to Absorb in Old Age, Animal Study Shows – Nutrient deficiency is associated with inflammation, cancer, heart disease, diabetes.

Wednesday October 10, 2012

• Blood Test May Spot Rare Lung Cancer – Marker in plasma rises when asbestos-linked mesothelioma is present, study says.
• Does Neighborhood Income Affect Teens' Mental Health? – Leaving extreme poverty may benefit healthy adolescent girls, but not boys, researchers say.
• Experimental Vaccine Might Help Women Already Infected With HPV – Small study found it spurred an immune response in women who had precancerous cervical lesions.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 10, 2012
• Health Tip: Caring for Acne – Gently clean the skin.
• Health Tip: Dine on Seafood – Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids.
• In Terms of Drinking, the Rich Are Different, Study Says – Certain groups in poor neighborhoods are more likely to become problem drinkers, researchers find.
• Leaves Decay Faster in Warmer Temperatures, Scientists Say – Finding may advance research on climate change.
• Many Hospitalized Children Experience Severe Pain: Report – Pain assessment should be integral part of treating kids, researchers say.
• Medicare/Medicaid Policy Shift Didn't Budge Hospital Infection Rates: Study – Researchers found rates started dropping before reimbursements for such infections were withdrawn.
• Melanoma Odds Doubled for Transplant, Lymphoma Patients: Study – Early detection of this serious skin cancer is critical.
• Meningitis Toll Now 12 Dead, 137 Sick: CDC – Outbreak has spurred federal legislators to push for more oversight of 'compounding pharmacies.'
• New Research Suggests HRT May Lower Heart Risks – Timing of hormone therapy seems to be key, with younger women seeing benefit.
• Pinball Analogy May Help Grief-Stricken Move Forward – Knowing that mourning takes an unpredictable course provides a sense of relief, researcher says.
• Science Reveals Secrets of Hypnosis – MRIs show differences in brains of people who could or couldn't be put into a trance.
• Tragic News Reports Weigh More Heavily on Women: Study – Physiological response was evident in reaction to later events.
• U.S. Stroke Patients Are Getting Younger – Study found rise in rates among adults aged 20 to 54.
• West Nile Cases Continue to Climb, CDC Says – Number of deaths now stands at 168, up from 163 last week.
• What Drives Your Daily Biological Clock? – Work with fruit flies leads to promising discovery, researchers say.

Tuesday October 9, 2012

• 'Mouth Feel' Makes Wine Go Well With Meat, Study Finds – Research suggests that 'balancing' opposite tastes makes food more palatable.
• Blood Test May Spot Serious Health Risks in Women – New biomarker reveals odds of heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer, study says.
• Clearer Prescription Drug Labels May Be on the Way – Safety-standards group wants to simplify confusing language that can lead to dosing mistakes.
• Gene Tied to Obesity, Depression, ADHD – Of more than 65,000 people screened in study, 5 had 'BDNF' deletion.
• Group Programs for Weight Loss May Work Best – Study found those who go to meetings shed more pounds, whether health pro or peer in charge.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 9, 2012
• Health Tip: All Fats Aren't Bad – Some are beneficial in limited amounts.
• Health Tip: Easing Teething Pain – Suggestions to soothe a fussy baby.
• Importance of Family Meals Questioned – Study finds shared breakfasts, dinners have no effect on kids' academics, behavior.
• Kids With Hemophilia Should Be Active, But Avoid Risky Sports: Study – Non-contact activities safest, allowing children to enjoy exercise, experts say.
• Marijuana Extract May Help Ease Muscle Stiffness in MS: Study – Pain, spasms and sleep quality also improved in those given drug vs. placebo.
• Meningitis Toll Now 11 Dead, 119 Sick: CDC – Up to 13,000 got steroid shots linked to the outbreak, agency says.
• New Gene Test Predicts Whose Mouth Lesions Might Be Cancerous – Developer says it eventually may allow earlier detection, treatment.
• New MRI Might Help Spot Heart Disease Early: Study – Technique uses multiple images to improve chances of diagnosing coronary artery disease.
• Patients Gain When Hospitals Work Together on Infection Control – Study found benefits when nearby facilities cooperate to control spread of MRSA.
• Scientists ID 'Genetic Signatures' for Aggressive Prostate Cancer – Findings may one day help tailor treatment, improve outcomes.
• Some 'Super Tasters' Might Be Less Prone to Sinus Woes – People with heightened sensitivity to bitter flavors better at warding off infections, study found.
• State Regulations Tied to Drop in Common Heart Procedure – Critics worry that the push for good outcomes may reduce access to care for sickest patients.
• Teens Want Voice in End-of-Life Decisions – New guide helps seriously ill teens and young adults talk about their needs.
• Up to 13,000 Got Steroid Shots at Center of Meningitis Outbreak: CDC – It's unclear how many are at risk for infection; death toll rises to 8, with 105 cases reported in nine states.
• Walking for Heart Health? Speed It Up, Study Suggests – Fast walking, jogging reduced disease warning signs, but daily stroll did not.

Monday October 8, 2012

• Alzheimer's Drug Shows Potential in Trials – Patients with mild disease who took solanezumab had slowing of mental decline.
• Antidepressants in Pregnancy May Affect Babies' Language Development – Study didn't look at long-term impact on children's speech milestones.
• Can Tomatoes Lower Stroke Risk? – Study found lycopene, the antioxidant found in tomatoes, seemed to guard against brain attack.
• Certain Eye Injuries in Kids May Indicate Child Abuse: Study – Retinal imaging could help doctors sort out accidents from purposeful injury.
• CT Scans of Kids in ER With Stomach Pain Skyrockets – Between 1998 and 2008, CT use ballooned from 1 percent to 15 percent of these cases, study shows.
• Experimental Drug May Limit Stroke Damage – Might even reduce brain lesions when given before stroke occurs, expert says, but findings are preliminary.
• Fresh Blood as Good as Older Blood for Preemie Transfusions: Study – Finding backs current blood bank policies, researchers note.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 8, 2012
• Health Tip: At Risk for High Cholesterol? – Risk factors include obesity.
• Health Tip: Starting Baby on Solid Foods – Make them easier to swallow.
• HIV Deaths Declining for Most, But Not All, Americans – Study found greatest improvement in whites, better-educated groups over 14-year period.
• Mouse Study Sheds New Light on How Memories Are Stored – Part of the brain keeps working through sleep and anesthesia to process information.
• Nearly Half of Children With Autism Wander From Safety: Survey – Advocates say a system such as Amber Alerts is needed for these kids.
• New Gene Mutations Tied to Schizophrenia – Researchers say the variations occur in fetal development and are not passed down by parents.
• Prenatal Mercury Exposure Tied to ADHD Symptoms in Kids – But mothers' fish consumption during pregnancy shows protective effect, researchers find.
• Scientists Link Gene to Lower Risk of Lung Cancer – Inflammation may be a disease factor, researcher says.
• Strict Moms Influence Kids' Friends: Study – Authoritative parenting can help teen friends cut drinking, smoking and drug use, researchers say.

Friday October 5, 2012

• Clenched Hand May Prevent 'Choking' Under Pressure – For right-handed athletes, squeezing left hand might cause automatic motor skills to kick in, study says.
• For People With Lung Disease, Colds Are Worse With School Kids Around – Study found sore throat, runny nose, cough were all more likely.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 5, 2012
• Health Tip: Manage Your Child's Allergy – Limit exposure to potential triggers.
• Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Falling – Seniors should keep at least one hand free.
• Heavy Smokers, Drinkers May Face Pancreatic Cancer Earlier in Life – Study found diagnoses came almost a decade sooner than for people without those habits.
• Humanitarian Work May Raise Risk of Anxiety, Depression – Researchers offer recommendations to improve mental health of aid workers.
• Late-Preterm Babies Needing ICU Catch Up With Other Preemies: Study – By age 3, both groups show similar developmental progress.
• New Survey Examines States' Investments in Dealing With Diabetes – Report showed dip in federal grants to prevent, treat condition.
• Officials Seeking Patients Who May Have Received Contaminated Steroid – The drug has been linked to rare form of meningitis tied to 5 deaths and at least 47 illnesses in 7 states.
• One-Third of Men With Anal Cancer Have HIV, Study Finds – Gay males among those at higher risk of the rare cancer, U.S. government researchers say.
• Rare Breast Cancer Poses New Set of Challenges – Experts say standard diagnostic and treatment methods don't work for inflammatory breast cancer.
• Same Part of Brain Recognizes Faces and Objects, Study Finds – Fusiform face area 'lit up' identically on MRI whether auto lovers looked at cars or people.
• Severely Obese Americans on the Rise – Study shows a decade of growth among those with 100 pounds excess weight, but trend is slowing.
• Shootings at Hospitals a Rarity, Study Finds – People known to assailant are usually intended targets, researchers say.
• Study Links Low Vitamin D Levels to Worse MS Symptoms – But it's too soon to recommend supplements for multiple sclerosis patients, researcher says.
• Survivor of Aggressive Breast Cancer Stresses Need for Quick Action – 'Listen to your body,' woman urges, to fight off inflammatory breast cancer.
• U.S. Sees a Run on New Knees Since 1990s – Over $9 billion spent annually on the operation, researchers say.

Thursday October 4, 2012

• Aspirin May Help Preserve Brain Function in Older Women With Heart Disease – Swedish study found less decline in thinking ability for those on daily dose.
• Botox Injections: Option for Urge Incontinence? – The drug worked as well as standard pills in head-to-head study, but is not fully approved for that use.
• BPA Exposure Impacts Pregnant Women's Thyroids, Study Suggests – Widely used chemical linked to lower levels of hormone in newborn boys, but not girls.
• Coffee Might Raise Glaucoma Risk: Study – Increased risk for those who drink 3 cups a day could be 66 percent, researchers say, but others are skeptical.
• Couples Trying to Conceive Might Need Help Sooner, Study Says – New mathematical method predicts women's odds of becoming pregnant at various ages.
• Diabetes Screening May Not Lower Overall Death Rates – 10-year British study found no survival benefit for population at large.
• Electronic Health Records Aid Diabetes Control – Researchers found that the records can help doctors better target treatment, testing.
• Free Birth Control May Curb Abortions: Study – Access to IUDs, implants helped reduce unintended pregnancies, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 4, 2012
• Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Flu – Get the annual vaccine.
• Health Tip: What's Behind Epilepsy? – Here are some common causes.
• Home Dialysis an Option for Some With Chronic Kidney Disease – But doctors, patients slow to embrace this timesaver, study finds.
• Hormone Therapy in Early Menopause May Benefit Some Women: Study – Small trial found no harm to heart, memory; some experts remain unconvinced.
• Juggling a Hospital Job and Family Can Be Painful – Administrators should assess job conditions, researchers say.
• Little U.S. Flu Activity So Far, CDC Says – Most people 6 months of age and older are urged to get vaccinated.
• Lung Function Recovery Seen in People Exposed to World Trade Center Site – Breathing tests improved more for 9/11 rescue crews than nearby workers.
• Meningitis Outbreak Not Over Yet: Experts – 5 dead, at least 30 sickened across U.S. by suspected contamination in steroid used for back pain.
• Postoperative Program Prevents Respiratory Complications: Study – Simple steps counter common side effects of surgery, researchers say.
• Researchers Map Vision in Brain – Study of brain structure may boost efforts to find ways to restore sight.
• Scientists Uncover Genetic Link for Uterine Fibroids – The tumors affect three-fourths of women of childbearing age.
• Severe Anemia Linked to Higher Death Risk After Heart Surgery – Condition should be treated before elective procedures if possible, researcher says.

Wednesday October 3, 2012

• 'Junk Food' May Significantly Hike Risk of Stroke, Researchers Say – Western diet tied to health problems in young rats after just 2 months, study finds.
• Could Hypertension in Pregnancy Harm Child's Thinking Skills for Decades? – Study found those whose mothers experienced high blood pressure scored lower on tests in their 70s.
• Doctors Speak Out on Health Care Waste in U.S. – Unneeded screening, unproven technology among culprits driving costs up by billions, report says.
• Early Humans Commonly Consumed Meat, Researchers Say – Lesions on skull fragment indicate that meat was regular part of diet more than a million years ago.
• Exercise Improves Effects of Stroke: Study – The most significant gains involved attention, concentration, planning and organizing.
• Genes Linked to Retardation Not Inherited, Study Suggests – Testing found new mutations only in people with the condition, not their parents.
• Genetic Disorder Test for Newborns May Speed Up Diagnoses – Not yet ready for hospital use, it might allow doctors to confirm and treat conditions sooner.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 3, 2012
• Health Tip: Caring for an Older Person's Teeth – Regular brushing and flossing are key.
• Health Tip: Considering Counseling? – Therapy may help you deal with depression, loss or anger.
• Indoor Tanning Causes Common Skin Cancers, Study Finds – While less deadly than melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell cancers can be disfiguring.
• Missing Data May Skew Clinical Trials – Expert panel recommends steps to prevent or account for incomplete information.
• Rural Colon Cancer Patients Fare Worse – Study shows they are diagnosed later and get fewer treatments than urban patients.
• Sitting for Hours Daily Might Boost Your Kidney Disease Risk: Study – Exercise reduced effect in men, but not women.
• Skinny Genes: Could Heredity Raise Your Vulnerability to 'Be-Thin' Pressure? – Study found female identical twins had similar levels of 'thin idealization.'
• Stem Cell Transplant May Spur Heart Disease Risk: Study – Chemotherapy, radiation before transplant linked to elevated threat.
• Study: Blood Tests for Inflammation Could Help Prevent Heart Attack, Stroke – But the tests would uncover risk in relatively few people, evidence review finds.
• West Nile Cases Continue to Climb, CDC Says – Number of deaths now stands at 163, up from 147 last week.

Tuesday October 2, 2012

• Common Heart Medicine May Not Be Effective for Some: Study – One expert, however, says beta blockers have proven benefits.
• Diabetes Patients Should Have More Voice in Treatment: Experts – New guidelines say individual, doctor and evidence must all contribute to decisions.
• Drinking, Driving Drops by Half Among Teens: CDC – But almost 1 million a month still do, agency says.
• Gout Management Is Focus of New Guidelines – Key practices for doctors, patients outlined by American College of Rheumatology.
• Health Tip: If You're Lactose Intolerant – You may not have to give up dairy entirely.
• Health Tip: Kids Need to Stop Sucking Their Thumbs – Or their oral health may suffer.
• Hip Resurfacing More Likely to Fail Than Hip Replacement: Study – Women in particular did worse with alternative procedure, U.K. researchers found.
• Impact Tests Show Bike Helmets Protect Kids in Crashes – Acceleration forces, effects of crush accidents were reduced.
• Many Pedestrians Hit By Cars Are Distracted By Mobile Devices – The problem is much more common among children, teens.
• New Autism Criteria Will Have Minor Impact: Study – Most children should still be eligible for care, researchers say.
• Poor Sleep in Teen Years Linked to Heart Risks in Adulthood – But association seen in study doesn't prove that sleep problems cause cardiovascular disease.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis May Be Linked to More Blood Clots – But overall risk remains small, study finds.
• Seniors Who Fell Recently May Fare Worse After Surgery – Study found more disability, complications and longer hospital stays for these patients.
• Statins Tied to Reduced Glaucoma Risk – Large study found possible preventive effect against blindness-causing eye condition.
• Study: Digital Beats Film Mammography at Spotting Breast Cancer – Dutch research finds digital screening better at detecting life-threatening tumors.
• Use of Medicare Skilled Nursing Benefit Is High at End of Life: Study – Financial concerns may deter many from using hospice provision, researchers say.
• Vitamin D Won't Save You From Common Cold, Latest Study Says – Healthy adults who took supplements did no better than those on placebos.

Monday October 1, 2012

• Child Abuse Injuries Have Risen, Study Finds – Child protective agencies reported decline, but hospital data tell a different story.
• Children Underrepresented in Clinical Drug Trials: Study – When drugs are tested only in adults, kids and their doctors are at a disadvantage, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 1, 2012
• Health Tip: Gear Up for Safe Soccer – Stay in shape to help prevent injury.
• Health Tip: Warm Up Before You Work Out – Get your muscles ready for exercise.
• HPV Vaccine Found Safe in Large Study – Fainting, skin infections most common side effects seen in girls, young women.
• Might Smallpox Virus Help Fight a Lethal Breast Cancer? – Promising results for triple-negative form of disease seen in tests with mice.
• Moderate Drinking May Increase Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder: Study – Older adults with heart disease, advanced diabetes were more apt to develop atrial fibrillation than peers who drank less.
• New Guidelines for Doctors Treating Low Back Pain – Evidence-based approach should improve care, experts say.
• New Melanoma Treatment Might Delay Cancer Progression – Experimental drug combo postponed resistance to therapy by 4 months, study showed.
• Novel Drug Approach Shows Promise Against Breast Cancer – 3-pronged payload targets cancerous cells, reducing side effects and prolonging life, study says.
• Psychiatric Disorders Often Persist in Juvenile Offenders – Alcohol, drug use common even 5 years after kids left detention center, researchers found.
• Researchers Discover Gene Defect Linked to Deafness – Genetic mutation associated with hearing loss in Usher syndrome type 1 and other cases, study says.
• Researchers Tackle Age-Related Decline in Immune Response – Blocking single harmful protein might work, early lab study suggests.
• Retina's Thickness May Be Tied to Severity of MS, Study Suggests – If true, it might be a useful tool to measure the effectiveness of treatments.
• Scientists Probe How Some HIV Patients Resist AIDS – Understanding immune response in these 'elite controllers' might help pave way to vaccine.
• Sharing Notes With Patients Empowers Them: Study – Reading doctor's remarks online also boosts treatment compliance, researchers find.
• Study Links Insomnia to $31 Billion in U.S. Workplace Errors – Research was based on interviews with more than 10,000 people.
• Teens Don't Really Like Taking Risks, Study Finds – But they're more comfortable with uncertain outcomes than adults are, researchers say.
• U.S. Kids Exposed to 4 Hours of Background TV Daily: Study – Excessive exposure hinders ability to learn, doctors warn.

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Content last updated October 31, 2012.

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