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January 2012

Tuesday January 31, 2012

• Health Highlights: Jan.31, 2012
• Health Tip: Most Teens Don't Get Enough Sleep – Experts point to potential health consequences.
• Health Tip: Wash Skin Properly – To keep it clean and help prevent acne.
• Hospitality Not a Friendly Industry for Disabled Workers: Study – Employers often reluctant to hire people with disabilities due to misconceptions.
• Pediatricians' Group Urges More Input From Parents – New policy statement calls for strong family presence, greater decision-making role.
• U.S. Advisers Explain Call to Censor Bird Flu Research – Published details of experiments could be used for harmful purposes, experts warn.
• When Mom-to-Be's Overweight and Smokes, Risk for Birth Defects Rises – This combination more than doubled odds of heart damage in newborn, study finds.

Monday January 30, 2012

• Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms Could Signal Heart Risk – Peripheral vascular disease may lead to stroke or early death, researchers say.
• Chubby Doctors Could Be Bad for Your Health – Study finds they're less likely to counsel heavy patients on weight.
• Health Highlights: Jan.30, 2012
• Health Reform Law Gaining Wider Acceptance: Poll – Still-controversial package's benefits appeal to more people, Harris Interactive/HealthDay survey finds.
• Health Tip: Healthy Fats? They Exist – Here are some common sources.
• Health Tip: How to Protect Toddlers From Burns – Precautions include keeping child out of kitchen while you're cooking.
• Live Liver Donation Safer Than Previously Thought – Risk of death is 1.7 per thousand donors, new study finds.
• Many Parents Skip Booster Seats When Carpooling – They don't bother with proper safety seats when their kids are in other people's cars, study finds.
• More Newborns Suffering Drug Withdrawal at Birth – Doctors seeing more women taking illicit drugs, prescription painkillers during pregnancy.
• Study Looks at Possible HIV Drugs-Birth Defect Link – More research needed into unconfirmed association between antiretrovirals and cleft lip/palate.
• Those Extra Pounds Could Harm Your Back – Researchers say more severe spinal disc degeneration seen in obese patients.

Friday January 27, 2012

• Acupuncture May Boost Pregnancy Success Rates – Centuries-old therapy can help men and women alike with fertility issues, experts say.
• Health Tip: Manage Pain During Childbirth – Suggestions to ease pain without medication.
• Health Tip: Preparing for a Stress Test – To check heart function.
• Positive Reinforcement May Help Patients Take Their Meds – Upbeat thoughts plus education boosted adherence among blacks with high blood pressure, study found.
• Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B – Study found lower risk of developing disease for people taking these cholesterol-cutting drugs.
• Test Might Predict Risk of Lung Cancer's Return – But it's not clear yet how helpful the molecular exam will be, experts say.

Thursday January 26, 2012

• Health Tip: Caring for Minor Burns – Suggestions to help you heal.
• Health Tip: Create the Right Environment for Sleep – Here are suggestions.
• Too Many Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Inactive, Study Finds – Experts say exercise helps keep joints flexible, maintains function.

Wednesday January 25, 2012

• 'Inner Dialogue' Might Aid People With Autism – Learning strategy may help with planning, functioning independently, small study says.
• Frying With Olive, Sunflower Oil OK for Heart, Study Finds – Type of cooking oil determines fried foods' link to heart disease, death risk.
• Health Highlights: Jan. 25, 2012
• Health Tip: Clean a Wound Carefully – And help reduce the risk of infection.
• Kids' Snacks Can Be Healthy and Inexpensive – New study at YMCAs finds food combinations that satisfy budgets, nutrition guidelines.
• Protein That Controls Movement Does the Opposite in Parkinson's – Study with mice suggests it may be a new drug target.

Tuesday January 24, 2012

• Baltimore Deemed U.S. City With Most Top-Ranked Hospitals – Other cities with top-performing hospitals include Phoenix, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Richmond
• Could 'Magic' Mushrooms Ease Depression? – Small studies found key ingredient lowered activity in areas of brain linked to mood disorder.
• Enriched Skim Milk Good for Gout, Study Suggests – Pain, uric acid levels improved in those drinking shakes made of skim milk powders.
• Even With Insurance, Unemployed Have Worse Health Outcomes – Report finds that high co-pays, deductibles can still make medical care unaffordable.
• Health Highlights: Jan. 24, 2012
• Health Tip: Exercise for Healthier Bones – Activities that can help maintain bone health.
• Health Tip: Food Can Affect Sleep – What you eat and drink can keep you up or make you drowsy.
• How Did Generation X Respond to the H1N1 'Swine' Flu Epidemic? – Young adults did 'reasonably well,' report concludes, although most avoided flu shot.
• Ob-Gyns Should Screen for Domestic Abuse: Experts – Intimate partner violence can be psychological or physical, occurs at all levels of society.

Monday January 23, 2012

• 'Co-Occurring' Disorders May Explain Change in Autism Diagnosis – As symptoms of other conditions become more apparent, labels may vary, study suggests.
• Health Tip: Help Calm a Cough – Here's what you can do.
• Health Tip: When Stress Becomes Dangerous – Signs you should call your doctor.
• New Genetic Clues to Breast Cancer? – Researchers say they've identified three more genomic regions associated with the disease.
• Only 1 in 4 Young Teens Uses Sunscreen Regularly, Study Finds – Sunburn in childhood a major risk factor for skin cancer, experts note.
• Severe Brain Injury When Young May Have Long-Term Effects – Good home environment helps overcome some deficits, studies find.

Friday January 20, 2012

• Bipolar Drug May Spur Weight Gain, Thyroid Problems: Review – Overall, lithium still 'treatment of choice' but docs urged to watch for and manage side effects.
• Health Tip: Store Insulin Properly – Follow these suggestions.
• Health Tip: Strengthen Your Muscles – And help avoid muscle loss as you age.
• Many Breast Cancer Patients Uninformed About Options: Study – Survey of survivors found that only about half were asked their preference for type of surgery.
• Rapid Infant Growth Linked to Asthma in Study – First three months might be critical window, researchers say.
• Treating Diabetes, Depression Together May Make Sense – Study found both conditions improved when addressed simultaneously.

Thursday January 19, 2012

• 1 in 5 U.S. Adults Suffers Mental Ills: Report – But, lack of insurance blocks many from treatment, experts say.
• Antidepressants Might Raise Fall Risk in Nursing Homes – Residents with dementia taking so-called SSRIs seem to be at higher risk of injury, study suggests.
• Health Tip: Set an Exercise Schedule – To help adhere to your fitness routine.
• Health Tip: Stick With Your Healthy New Year's Resolutions – Don't let them slide.
• Hungry Families Admit to 'Formula Stretching ' – Better methods needed to identify those without enough to eat, researchers say.

Wednesday January 18, 2012

• 'The Pill' Can Help Ease Period Pain, Study Finds – Many doctors already prescribe oral contraceptives 'off-label' for this purpose, experts note.
• Blood Test Shows Promise in Spotting Pancreatic Cancers Early – Another study suggests a similar test for those at risk for esophageal tumors.
• Experimental Drug Might Help Some a Bit With Colon Cancer – Drug extended survival by one month in those with advanced disease.
• Flu Season Off to Slow Start, So Far – Relatively few cases reported, experts say, but that doesn't mean a surge can't happen.
• Health Tip: Avoid Sugary Foods for Healthier Teeth – Suggestions to help prevent cavities.
• Health Tip: Limit Drug-Food Interactions – Foods can affect both prescription and OTC meds.
• Sleep Might Help Deepen Traumatic Memories – Staying awake after disturbing event weakened emotional response upon recall, study found.
• U.S. Wants to Buttress Alzheimer's Arsenal by 2025 – Left unchecked, the number of Alzheimer's patients could triple by 2050, experts say.
• Vaccine Against Bacterial Meningitis Shows Promise – Disease caused by the B strain can be deadly.

Tuesday January 17, 2012

• Americans Aren't Getting Any Skinnier – But, the good news is the overall rate of obesity is stabilizing, researchers report.
• Drinking Late in First Trimester May Be Most Hazardous – But no alcohol use is safe during pregnancy, study finds.
• Drug Duo May Help Fight Aggressive Form of Breast Cancer – Response rate increased with two-drug approach, researchers report.
• FDA to Weigh Safety of Tobacco Lozenges, Strips – Experts fear candy-like products could put children at risk for nicotine addiction, poisoning.
• Health Highlights: Jan. 17, 2012
• Health Tip: Get More Veggies Into Your Diet – Here are some ways to add them to snacks and meals.
• Health Tip: Stop Your Child's Thumb-Sucking Habit – The practice can be harmful to teeth.
• Injuries to Pedestrians Wearing Headphones Tripled Since 2004 – Unaware of surroundings, they're hit by cars, even trains, report says.
• Vitamin D Won't Help Most COPD Patients: Study – However, those with severe vitamin deficiency may see a benefit, researchers say.
• Younger Adults on Multiple Meds at Risk for Falls: Study – Injury risk was doubled compared to those with fewer prescriptions.

Friday January 13, 2012

• 'Exoskeleton' Helps Paralyzed Stand, Take Steps – More research needed to see if it strengthens muscles, experts say.
• Antidepressants While Pregnant Linked to Slight Risk of Lung Problem in Babies – Study found women who took SSRIs a bit more likely to have infants with high blood pressure in the lungs.
• At More U.S. Workplaces, Smokers Need Not Apply – Experts weigh in as another large health care provider decides to hire nonsmokers only.
• Bored Workers Often Turn to Chocolate, Booze, Study Finds – These unhealthy treats are common ways of dealing with office ennui, research shows.
• Health Tip: Buy Safe Toys – Suggestions to help protect youngsters.
• Health Tip: Take Care of Dry Skin – Keep it moisturized.
• Work-Life Balance Tougher for Couples With Similar Jobs – They work longer hours, are more committed to their jobs than others, study finds.

Thursday January 12, 2012

• Could Internet Addiction Disrupt Brain's Connections? – Small Chinese study found abnormalities in white matter in brains of teenage Web junkies.
• Does Deodorant Ingredient Affect Breast Cancer Risk? – Small study finds suspect chemical even in women who never used the product, further muddying the debate.
• Health Tip: Better Manage Stress – Suggestions to help keep it under control.
• Health Tip: Help Control Constipation During Pregnancy – Eat more fiber and drink more fluids.
• Herbal Medicines for Arthritis Not Backed by Evidence – Not only are most ineffective, some can interfere with other medications, review found.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease Less Common in Sunny States – Researchers say sunshine may boost vitamin D levels, affecting immune function.
• Partner's 'Viral Load' a Major Factor in HIV Transmission: Study – Condom use, circumcision lowered risk of sexually infecting partners in study of African couples.
• Three Embryos Are Too Many for IVF: Study – The ideal number is one or two for the assisted reproduction technique, researchers say.

Wednesday January 11, 2012

• Car, TV Ownership Tied to Higher Risk for Heart Attack – But getting active during work and leisure hours can lower the odds, study finds.
• Certain Diabetes Drugs Might Aid Weight Loss – Medicines such as Byetta may help users shed pounds, but more study is needed, experts say.
• Health Tip: Spot the Symptoms of Heart Attack – Here's what to watch for.
• Health Tip: When Your Child Cries at Night – Suggestions for what to do.
• Novel Stem Cell Treatment May Hold Promise for Type 1 Diabetes – Scientists try to 're-educate' patient's immune cells to begin producing insulin.
• Surgeons in Mid-Career Have Fewest Complications: Study – Those younger and older than that range performed worse on thyroid removal surgeries.
• Tests Might Someday Help Spot Early Lung Cancer – Tissue samples, sensitive blood analyses show promise for early diagnosis, treatment.

Tuesday January 10, 2012

• Alzheimer's Med Seems Ineffective in Those With Down Syndrome – Patients taking memantine had more serious adverse events than those given placebo.
• Health Tip: Is My Neck Pain Serious? – Signs you should call a doctor.
• Health Tip: Make Low-Cholesterol Salad Choices – Watch those toppings.
• Heart Experts Make Boosting Bystander CPR a Priority – 911 dispatchers asked to talk callers through life-saving procedure after witnessing cardiac arrest.
• How to Keep From Overeating When Eating Out – Try ordering a la carte and skipping foods that aren't your favorites, study says.
• New Blood Thinner Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risk – But benefits of Pradaxa still outweigh risks for those with atrial fibrillation, experts say.

Monday January 9, 2012

• Health Tip: Be Prepared for Skin Changes as You Age – Wrinkles and other imperfections are likely.
• Health Tip: Insomnia Keeping You Awake? – Common symptoms of the sleep disorder.
• Kids Who Need Heart Surgery May Fare Better at Busier Hospitals – Higher-volume centers had lower death rate for patients with complications, study finds.
• Most Parents Tell Kids About Test Results for Breast Cancer Genes – Children can handle the information, study suggests, except very youngest.
• Short Delay in Treating Blood Pressure Safe for Diabetics: Study – But other experts disagree, saying the best solution to hypertension is prompt drug therapy.

Friday January 6, 2012

• ADHD Drug Shortage Pushes Parents to Seek Substitutes – But experts say medication switches must be done carefully.
• Global Study Finds Drug Abuse Highest in Richer Nations – The U.S. can do its part to reduce the damage of addiction, experts say.
• Health Tip: House Cleaning With Arthritis – Performing household chores with less pain.
• Health Tip: Make Eating a Family Affair – Suggestions for healthy group meals.
• Mental Decline Can Start at 45, Study Finds – Early lapses in memory, reasoning may signal dementia later in life, researchers say.

Thursday January 5, 2012

• Antibiotics in Pregnancy May Shield Newborns From Strep B – Developing countries should adopt this practice for at-risk moms-to-be, researchers say.
• Chronic Heartburn a Growing Problem in U.S. – Excess weight gets biggest share of blame for increase.
• Have Heartburn? Get Help – Wisconsin woman urges other sufferers to not wait as long as she did.
• Health Tip: Is it Time to Potty Train? – Signs your little one is ready.
• Health Tip: When Aggressive Behavior Signals a Problem – Requiring a call to the pediatrician.
• Many Teen Girls Mistakenly Think HPV Vaccines Cut Risk for All STDs – Doctors should stress limits of protection to patients, researcher says.
• Missed Naps Could Put Toddlers at Risk for Mood Disorders – Study found lack of sleep hampers ability to express feelings.

Wednesday January 4, 2012

• 'Safety-First' Playgrounds Linked to Bored, Inactive Kids: Study – Review of daycares suggests many preschoolers play less now, but safety experts support newer equipment.
• Health Tip: Physical Problems May Cause Insomnia – The inability to fall asleep or stay asleep.
• Health Tip: Practice Sledding Safety – Suggestions to help prevent injury.
• Need Help? Seek Out the Humble – They're more likely to offer assistance without being pressured, research shows.

Tuesday January 3, 2012

• Changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid May Signal Early Alzheimer's – Study found they preceded actual development of disease by 5 to 10 years.
• Fun Ways to Include Kids in Fitness Resolutions – Expert tips for making fitness a family matter in 2012.
• Health Tip: Footcare Suggestions for Diabetics – Poor circulation and nerve damage often lead to foot problems.
• Health Tip: When It's Time to Call the Doctor About Bedwetting – Signs there could be a medical problem.
• Lots of Exercise May Boost Kids' Grades – Research review found that the most physically active students did the best in the classroom.
• Mom's Poverty, Diabetes Might Raise ADHD Risk in Kids – Study found combo increased chances of disorder 14-fold.
• Poor Sleep May Complicate Young Diabetics' Blood Sugar Control – Some kids with type 1 diabetes may also have sleep apnea, study suggests.
• Spinal Manipulation, Home Exercise May Ease Neck Pain – Medication appeared least effective treatment in small study.
• Study Looks at Deep Brain Stimulation in Bipolar Patients – Research is still preliminary, with few patients involved so far.

Monday January 2, 2012

• Health Tip: Minimize Nightmares – Help foster sweet dreams.
• Health Tip: Stay Healthy During Menopause – Here's what you can do.
• With Depression, Helping Others May in Turn Help You – Random acts of kindness can snowball into more positive mood overall, experts say.

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Content last updated January 31, 2012.

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