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September 2012

Friday September 21, 2012

• Health Tip: Worried About Lead Exposure? – Here are potential sources.
• Health Tip: Improve Air Quality at Home – Eliminate sources of pollution.

Thursday September 20, 2012

• Can't Stop Eating M&Ms? – New study of rats' brains could hold a key to understanding overeating and obesity.
• Gene Mutation Changed Cheetah's Spots to Stripes – Feral tabby cats played a part in discovery.
• Genes of Africa's Khoe-San Peoples Give Clues to Human Evolution – They may be link to early point of diversification for the species, scientists say.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 20, 2012
• Health Reform 2.0: Governors Pushing Back on Medicaid Expansion – Opt-out in Affordable Care Act could leave millions of low-income Americans still uninsured.
• Health Reform 2.0: States Balking at New Insurance Exchanges – Affordable Care Act's one-stop shopping for coverage won't be in place in time in many states, experts say.
• Health Tip: Keep Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Check – Focus on a healthier diet.
• Health Tip: Make Your Recipes Healthier – Cut down on fat, salt and sugar.
• Mild Hyperthyroidism Won't Raise Heart Risk: Study – People with only one hormone at abnormal levels were not at higher risk.
• NYC Effort Put Rats on the Run – Eradication program saw active rat signs drop from 9.75 percent to 4.5 percent, report says.
• Obese Kids May Have Dulled Taste Buds – Lack of sensitivity may lead to eating more, researchers say.
• Poorer Patients Find Thyroid Cancer at Later Stage: Study – Income-based health disparity needs addressing, researchers say.
• Scientists Focus on Factors Behind Asthma Attacks – Findings could pave way to reducing 2 major airway symptoms, researchers say.
• Secondhand Smoke Takes Big Illness, Expense Toll – Study found blacks most affected, including for death among infants exposed in womb.
• Suicide Now Kills More Americans Than Car Crashes: Study – Prevention efforts lowered traffic fatalities, more attention needed for suicide, experts say.
• Thin Placenta Might Be Linked to Sudden Cardiac Death Later in Life – Reduced nutrients, impaired development of fetus may raise risk in adulthood, study suggests.
• Where You Live May Boost Your Sense of Well-Being – Mental health improved when families moved from very poor neighborhoods, study found.
• Year of Taking Risky Blood Thinners May Be Unnecessary After Stent Surgery – Studies suggest it might be safe to stop double anti-platelet therapy sooner.

Wednesday September 19, 2012

• Blacks Less Likely to Stick to High Blood Pressure Diet: Study – But the good news is that the 'DASH' eating plan does help those who follow it.
• Childhood Trauma Linked to Later Stroke Risk – Study sees relationship between emotional neglect, physical illness in adulthood.
• Clues to Ancient Dentistry Found in Human Tooth – Beeswax traces suggest this may be first known example of a filling, researchers say.
• Cooking-Oil Combo May Improve Blood Pressure – Mixture of sesame and rice bran oils has heart-healthy effects, preliminary study suggests.
• Doctors Biased Against Drug Company Research, Study Finds – Disregarding high-quality studies may prevent patients from accessing better treatments.
• Drug Shows Promise Against Fragile X Syndrome, Possibly Autism – Scientists say preliminary findings show it might help social withdrawal.
• Early Menopause May Double Heart Disease Risk, Study Says – Quitting smoking might help prolong menstruation, researchers suggest.
• FDA Warns Against Use of Diarrhea Drug From El Salvador – Ingredient in Intestinomicina linked to serious health problems, including bone marrow toxicity.
• Flip-Flop? People Can Change Moral Positions and Not Know It – Swedish researchers found individuals unknowingly argue opposing viewpoints.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 19, 2012
• Health Tip: Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis – Don't neglect exercise.
• Health Tip: Prevent Athlete's Foot – Dry your feet carefully after bathing.
• Low-Cost, Speedy Liver Test in Development – Third World nations would benefit from the paper-based system, researchers say.
• More Kids Opting Out of School-Required Vaccinations: Study – Parents more likely to have requirements waived in states with easy or philosophical exemption policies.
• New Pill Shows Promise Against Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis – The relapse rate was nearly halved after 2 years, researchers find.
• Secondhand Smoke in Pregnancy Seems to Harm Baby, Too – Newborns' brain development shows effects of mothers' exposure to passive smoke, researchers say.
• West Nile Cases Still Rising; Death Toll Now at 134, CDC Says – Texas continues to be epicenter of outbreak, with nearly 40 percent of all mosquito-borne infections.

Tuesday September 18, 2012

• Aerobic Exercise Cuts Kids' Diabetes Risk: Study – Just 20 minutes a day improved insulin resistance of overweight children.
• Belly Fat Adds to Diabetes Risk in Obese Adults, Study Finds – Insulin resistance also a factor in developing type 2 disease.
• BPA in Food Packaging Tied to Child Obesity: Study – However, it's not proven that the chemical causes increased weight.
• Exercise May Prevent Stress and Anxiety, Study Suggests – Moderate physical activity can help people manage daily stressors, researchers say.
• FDA OKs First Ultrasound Imaging System for Dense Breasts – Used in tandem with mammography, it should help spot tough-to-see tumors, agency says.
• First Ultrasound to Spot Cancer in Dense Breasts Approved
• Health Highlights: Sept. 18, 2012
• Health Tip: Don't Leave Kids in the Car Alone – Even for a minute.
• Health Tip: Managing With Psoriasis – Learn to tame emotions and stress.
• Heart Deaths Rise With Extreme Temperatures, Study Finds – Heat waves deadlier than cold snaps, researchers find.
• Least Aggressive Breast Cancer Still Poses Long-Term Risk, Study Finds – Women with common tumor types might die of disease a decade later, affecting treatment decisions.
• More U.S. Kids Prescribed Off-Label Antipsychotics: Study – Use is particularly high among children with ADHD or conduct disorder, study shows.
• Most Forehead Lift Patients Recommend Procedure: Survey – But others are unsatisfied, and recovery time can be long.
• New Drug Might Help Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Maker-funded studies found reduction in symptoms such as abdominal pain.
• New Study Debunks Virus Theory for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – Finding refutes earlier paper; cause remains unknown.
• Obesity Surgery Seems to Reduce Heart Risks, Study Says – Diabetes remission, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels noted after 6 years.
• Report: 39 States on Pace for Obesity Rates Above 50% – Costs in diabetes, heart disease, health care dollars will skyrocket if current trends go unchecked.
• Self-Harm Associated With Premature Death in Study – Causes include suicide, accidents and disease, researchers say.

Monday September 17, 2012

• 'Sexting' May Go Hand-in-Hand With Unprotected Sex Among Teens – Study found association with other forms of sexual risk-taking among high school students.
• Avoiding Alcohol May Cut Risk for Esophageal Cancer – It takes up to 16 years for former chronic drinkers to return to normal risk level, review found.
• Cancer Overtakes Heart Disease as Top Cause of Death Among U.S. Hispanics – But their total death rate for cancer has dropped in past 3 years, report shows.
• Cigarette Taxes 'Disproportionately Burden' the Poor, Report Says – Found low-income smokers spent 25% of income on the habit, compared with only 2% among those better off.
• Comparison of Obesity Surgeries Turns Up Surprising Results – More popular method is less successful for maintaining weight loss, study says.
• Diets High in Fructose May Harm Liver in Some, Scientists Warn – Increased consumption of this sugar linked to altered metabolism, energy balance stores.
• Extra Steps Urged to Cut Alcohol, Drug Use in Military: Report – Institute of Medicine suggests more screening, updated treatments for substance abuse.
• Food-Assistance Program Sees $2 Billion Spent on Sweet Drinks: Study – Yet initiative's goal is promoting good nutrition.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 17, 2012
• Health Tip: Do Your Feet Have Poor Circulation? – You may, if cramps are a frequent problem.
• Health Tip: Keep Baby Safe in a Stroller – Don't leave the child alone.
• Shingles Not Linked to Increased Cancer Risk, Study States – Screening for cancer after diagnosis is unnecessary, researchers say.
• Shoppers Who Read Food Labels Are Thinner, Study Says – Urban white women are most likely to check for nutritional content.
• Studies Show Limits, Promise of Laser Removal of Tattoos – New technology may eventually speed up process, but effectiveness will still vary among individuals.
• Study Assesses Blood Thinner Use After Gastrointestinal Bleeding – Resuming warfarin after a few days is best, researchers conclude
• Too Much Salt Might Harm Kids' Health: Study – High intake may lead to rise in blood pressure, especially in overweight children.
• Vitamin D in Pregnancy Critical for Brain Development, Study Says – Babies whose mothers had adequate levels appeared to do better on mental, motor tests.

Friday September 14, 2012

• 'Doctor Shopping' Tied to Fatal Prescription Drug Overdoses – People who visit multiple physicians, pharmacies can be identified, researchers say.
• Cancer Survivors Prefer to Stay With Cancer Doctors: Study – Findings highlight need for coordinated care for their unique health needs.
• Chronic Pain May Cost U.S. $635 Billion a Year – Health care expenses, lost productivity included in estimate.
• Do Video Games Promote Reckless Driving in Certain Teens? – Study found young sensation-seekers had more accidents, tickets and unsafe habits behind the wheel.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 14, 2012
• Health Tip: Coping With Separation Anxiety – Avoid leaving when your child is hungry or sleepy.
• Health Tip: Factors That Can Worsen Acne – Including fluctuating hormones.
• Medicare Gaps Leave Many With Big Bill at End of Life, Study Finds – Health care spending in the final 5 years exceeds total household assets for one in four seniors.
• Obesity Hits Rural Areas Harder Than Cities – Nearly 40 percent of rural adults in U.S. are obese, compared to 33 percent of city dwellers, study shows.
• Pain From Sexual Assault Often Untreated, Study Says – Only one-third of victims receive medication to ease their discomfort, researchers find.
• Putting Your Mental Health in Order – Experts suggest steps to de-stress and find a more balanced life.
• Quitting Drinking May Help Alcoholics' Bone Loss – Improvement begins after eight weeks of recovery, study shows.
• Quitting Smoking Just as Hard for Teens: Study – Many of the same negative psychological effects occur in newer, long-time smokers.
• Secondhand Smoke Linked to Memory Problems – Nonsmokers regularly exposed to cigarette smoke forgot nearly 20 percent more in tests, study says.
• Stressful Job Might Be Tough on the Heart – Demanding work, little control over decision-making boosts risk for heart attack, study suggests.
• Topical Products for Muscle, Joint Pain May Cause Burns: FDA – Seek medical attention if you experience burning pain or blistering, agency says.
• Woman Finds Balance in Life Via Drastic Change – Do what it takes to make great things happen, she advises.

Thursday September 13, 2012

• 'Mini-Strokes' May Be More Damaging Than Thought – Since 15% of victims suffer serious disabilities, clot-busting drugs may benefit these patients, research suggests.
• Almost Half of U.S. Adults Have Gum Disease – Rate is even higher for seniors, study finds.
• Aubagio Approved for Multiple Sclerosis
• Could Facebook Be Making You Fat? – Time spent on social networking sites was time taken away from physical activity, study found.
• Gestational Diabetes, Poverty Linked to ADHD – But breast-feeding appears to have protective effect, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 13, 2012
• Health Tip: Use a Stability Ball – It can help improve core muscles.
• Health Tip: What's a Heart-Healthy Diet? – Foods to include, and those to avoid.
• Improved Developmental Screening Urged for Hispanic Kids – Many cases of autism missed when parents don't know what signs to look for, researchers say.
• Knee, Hip Replacements Don't Help People Lose Weight: Study – Evidence is inconclusive and may even point to weight gain, researchers say.
• Mammography's Benefits Outweigh Harms for Older Women: Study – European review finds that screening every two years worthwhile for those aged 50 to 70.
• Many More U.S. Households Ready for Disasters: CDC – But most don't have a written evacuation plan, researchers find.
• Men More Prone to Depression After Stroke: Study – Males' need for 'control' over health may trigger more of a setback when illness strikes, researchers say.
• NYC OKs Ban on Big Sugary Drinks – Mayor Michael Bloomberg says initiative is bid to combat obesity; opponents call it intrusion on individual rights.
• Psych, Sleep Meds May Affect Driving – Psychotropic drugs alter brain functioning, raise crash risk, researchers say.
• Scientists Map Genetic 'Blueprint' of Heart – Study using mouse stem cells provides clues to how some birth defects occur, researcher says.
• Scientists Spot 5 Genes That Help Shape Faces – It may someday be possible to draw a portrait of a person using only DNA, researchers say.
• Soaring U.S. Spinal Care Spending Due to Specialists: Study – Out-of-hospital medical costs nearly doubled in about a decade.

Wednesday September 12, 2012

• 'Superpowered' Bacteria May Lurk Behind Sinus Infections – Research suggests it's survival of the fittest among these germs.
• 3-D Imaging Might Make Some Surgeries Safer – French doctors used virtual model to help them navigate patient's neck during operation.
• Docs' Sensitivity to Patients' Feelings Tied to Good Outcomes – Doctors with high empathy scores have patients with lower rates of serious complications, study shows.
• Drug Used to Prevent Prostate Cancer Won't Lower Quality of Life – Proscar is indicated for enlarged prostate; study found it had little long-term detrimental effect.
• Family Health Insurance Premiums Jump 4 Percent in 2012 – Health premiums outpaced U.S. wage growth and general inflation, survey shows.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 12, 2012
• Health Tip: Taming Your Sweet Tooth – Sweets are OK, but only once-in-a-while.
• Hispanics May Face Higher Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: Study – Differences seen in how the pancreas responds to excess fat with insulin.
• Human Stem Cells Restore Hearing to Deaf Gerbils in Study – Next step is to determine if procedure is safe and recovery persists
• Imported Ricotta Cheese Recalled Due to Listeria – Frescolina brand suspected as cause, at least 2 deaths and 14 cases reported, CDC says.
• Lust May Dampen Humans' Sense of Disgust, Study Suggests – Women were less grossed out by 'icky' things when sexually aroused.
• More Evidence That Truvada Can Help Prevent HIV – Findings suggest the drug still blocks the virus even when patients miss a dose.
• New Device May Reduce Repeat Breast Cancer Surgeries – Tool could help surgeons determine if all cancerous tissue is excised in lumpectomy, study says.
• NYC 'Soda Ban' Decision Expected Thursday – Mayor's attempt to combat obesity comes up against industry, individual rights., opponents say.
• Scientists ID Gene for Insulin Sensitivity – Findings may have implications for diabetes treatment, researcher says.
• Some Screens Miss Spread of Breast Cancer: Study – Bone scans, liver ultrasounds and chest X-rays only caught small number of cases.
• Stress Adds to Salt Load of Some Blacks, Study Says – This may raise their risk for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease.
• U.S. Expands SIDS Prevention Effort – NIH 'Safe to Sleep' campaign now includes all sleep-related infant deaths.
• West Nile Cases Keep Climbing; 118 Deaths So Far, CDC Says – Texas remains the hardest hit state with 40 percent of mosquito-borne infections.
• Whooping Cough Vaccine Protection Fades Over Time: Study – CDC recommends booster shots for teens and adults
• Younger Kids Likelier to Gain Weight After Tonsillectomy – Those under 6 years often gain 2 to 5 pounds, study finds.

Tuesday September 11, 2012

• 'Excellent' Survival Seen for Liver Transplant From Live Donor – Nearly three-quarters in Japanese study were alive after 10 years.
• Children of U.S. Immigrants May Have Academic Edge – Their mental health is similar to children of native-born Americans, study also finds.
• Experimental Dengue Vaccine Shows Some Success – The painful, potentially deadly illness is endemic to the tropics, and has reappeared in the United States.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 11, 2012
• Health Tip: Help Ease Fibromyalgia Symptoms – Be sure to get enough sleep.
• Health Tip: Keep Your Teeth Healthier – Suggestions for people 60 and older.
• More Pregnant Women on Blood Pressure Drugs: Study – Experts consider some meds safer than others for developing fetus.
• Severely Obese Women Attempting IVF May Have Lower Egg Quality – Study suggests this could affect their ability to get pregnant.
• Some Blood Pressure Drugs Might Help Slow Alzheimer's: Study – Fewer telltale brain plaques found in patients on angiotensin receptor blockers.
• Supportive Spouse May Extend Cancer Survival – Single men had worst post-treatment longevity, study found.
• Swallowed Toothpicks Can Lead to Big Trouble, Experts Warn – One woman suffered blood poisoning but recovered after surgery.
• Traffic May Keep City Dwellers Awake, Harming Health – Sleep disturbance could lead to greater risk for heart attack and high blood pressure, researchers say.

Monday September 10, 2012

• Health Highlights: Sept. 10, 2012
• Health Tip: Smokeless Tobacco Isn't Safe Either – Increases risk of cancer, ACS says.
• Health Tip: Straining a Hamstring – Here are some risk factors.
• Kids' Vaccine Exemptions Too Easy to Obtain: Study – Only kindergarten students who truly need waivers should get them, to protect group immunity.
• Multiple Methods Can Safely Help Babies Get to Sleep, Study Shows – At age 6, no differences seen in attachment, behavior, sleep quality.
• New Strep Throat Guidelines Tackle Antibiotic Resistance – Most sore throats are actually caused by viruses.
• Overweight Teens Typically Eat Less Than Normal-Weight Peers – Study finding points to need for novel weight-loss interventions.
• Pediatricians' Group Urges Flu Shot for Kids Aged 6 Months and Up – Parents, daycare workers also should be immunized, AAP guidelines say
• Postpartum Depression May Lead to Shorter Kids: Study – It's not certain why, but feeding practices might play a part, expert says.
• Pot Use May Raise Risk of Testicular Cancer: Study – But review shows only an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
• Tight Blood Sugar Control Won't Help Babies After Heart Surgery – Infection rates, survival didn't change, but more risk for low blood sugar seen in study.
• Video Game 'Teams' Tied to Cooperative Behavior in Players – Having a teammate may lead to less negative aggression than playing violent games alone.
• Young Children Treated for Cancer May Be at Risk for PTSD: Study – Procedures, treatments should be kid-friendly, painless as possible, researchers say.

Friday September 7, 2012

• 'Chemo Brain' After Breast Cancer Backed by Study – Women's symptoms were typically mild, review found, and strategies exist to manage them.
• Elevated Antibody Levels May Predict Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk – Danish study followed people for nearly 30 years to see who developed condition.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 7, 2012
• Health Officials Tracking Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pet Turtles – Despite ban on selling them, 160 people in 30 states have fallen ill.
• Health Tip: Preventing Rabies – Make sure pet vaccinations are current.
• Health Tip: Protect Kids From Mosquito Bites – And reduce their risk of West Nile virus.
• Language Barrier Hurts Elderly Asthma Patients – Self-care, quality of life found to suffer, study says.
• Lettuce: Buy Bagged or Not? – Experts say recent recalls of pre-cut produce don't make it less safe than purchasing in bulk.
• More Patients With Irregular Heartbeat Recognize Stroke Risk: Survey – Atrial fibrillation patients should talk to their doctors about higher threat, experts say.
• Rise in Pregnancy-Associated Cancers Not Fully Explained by Older Age – Improved diagnostics, hormonal changes may account for some of the increase, researchers say.
• Super-Shy Preschoolers Might Struggle Academically – Kids who are highly withdrawn may fall behind in math and reading, study suggests.
• The Plague: It's Still With Us – Colorado girl likely the fourth infected in this 'average year,' CDC says.
• Want to Beat Spider Phobia? Talk About It – Study using tarantulas finds labeling emotions while stressed eases anxiety
• X-Rays May Up Breast Cancer Risk for Women With Certain Genes: Study – Chest radiation before age 30 might be a risk for those with BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.

Thursday September 6, 2012

• 'Magic' Carpet Could Help Shield Elderly From Falls – Optical fibers map walking patterns, warn of potential dangers.
• Childhood Vaccination Rates Remain High, CDC Says – But coverage for measles does not yet meet national standards in 15 states.
• Cholesterol Screenings Up, But Certain Groups Still Lag: CDC – Younger, less-educated adults and Hispanics not as likely to get blood levels tested.
• Does Studying for Law School Test Boost Your Brain? – Researchers found structural differences after people crammed for rigorous exam.
• Face-Down Position May Be Safer During Radiation for Breast Cancer: Study – Findings suggest prone position might reduce exposure of heart, lungs.
• Ginkgo Won't Prevent Alzheimer's, Study Finds – This is the latest finding in debate over herb's ability to keep dementia at bay.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 6, 2012
• Health Tip: Cleaning a Young Child's Teeth – Oral care should start just after birth.
• Health Tip: Packing a Backpack – Make it as light as possible.
• Kids Develop Sense of Humor by Age 1, Study Finds – At 6 months, babies watched closely as their parents laughed at absurd events, researchers say.
• Laundry Detergent Packs Pose Poisoning Threat to Toddlers – The colorful, liquid-filled pods look like toys or treats, experts say.
• Listening Aids May Help Boost Dyslexic Kids' Reading Skills – Devices seem to improve brain's recognition of sounds, study finds
• Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Don't Raise Cancer Risk: Study – Large evidence review of 'biologics' included nearly 30,000 patients.
• Nonalcoholic Red Wine Might Help Lower Blood Pressure – Regular red wine, gin had no health benefit in small study of men at risk for heart disease.
• Smokers Are Still High School's 'Cool Kids,' Study Finds – Power of peer approval outweighs decades of public health education among teens.
• Third of Hospital Staff Say Hand-Washing Reminders Unwelcome – Reasons ranged from professional embarrassment to possible legal fallout, survey finds.
• U.S. Health Care System Wastes $750B Annually, Report Finds – More needs to be to done to reduce 'inefficiences,' Institute of Medicine panel says.
• Vets' Readjustment Issues May Spur PTSD Treatment – Family stressors -- not psychiatric symptoms -- lead some to seek help, study says.

Wednesday September 5, 2012

• Bosulif Approved for Rare Leukemia
• Health Highlights: Sept. 5, 2012
• Health Tip: Are You at Risk for Anemia? – Make sure your diet includes iron, vitamins and minerals.
• Health Tip: If You Have Rosacea – Clean your skin gently.
• It's Possible to Be Obese and Heart-Healthy: Studies – However, some experts contend that being 'fit and fat' is the exception, not the rule.
• Longer Resuscitation After Cardiac Arrest May Be Warranted, Study Suggests – Finding is controversial since common practice is to cease efforts early when patients fail to respond.
• Men, Women Do See Things Differently: Study – Males seem better with fine detail, rapidly moving images; females seem better differentiating colors.
• More Americans Get Effective HIV Treatment, Study Says – And they appear to be less infectious.
• Poor Sleep Among Preschoolers May Be Tied to Special Ed Needs Later – But, study doesn't prove a cause-and-effect link.
• Scientists Inch Closer to Genetic Blueprint of Diseases – Finding might change the way conditions are treated in the future.
• Treated Vaginal Ring Prevents HIV in Monkeys – Experts hope the technique might one day curb transmission in humans.

Tuesday September 4, 2012

• Combat Stress Linked to Brain Changes in Study – Some problems resolve with time, but others persist, researchers say.
• Could Internet Addiction Be Genetic? – People hooked on nicotine share same gene mutation as those overusing the Web, study finds.
• Even 'High-Normal' Blood Sugar Tied to Brain Shrinkage – Scans show memory, thinking regions shrank in those at high end of 'normal' range; more study needed.
• Health Highlights: Sept. 4, 2012
• Health Tip: Drink Enough Fluids – Carry a refillable water bottle.
• Health Tip: Help a Child With ADHD Sleep Better – Maintain a consistent schedule.
• Organic Foods Not Healthier or More Nutritious, Study Says – However, researchers didn't focus on taste, animal welfare practices.
• People More Likely to Guzzle Beer Served in Curved Glasses – Study finds 'beer flutes' make it harder for drinkers to pace themselves.
• Scientists Find Links Among Parkinson's, Cancer and Family History – Utah study looked at prostate cancer, melanoma.
• Seniors' Creativity Can Thrive Despite Dementia – Programs seek to inspire artistry, reduce isolation in these older adults

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Content last updated September 21, 2012.

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