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March 2012

Friday March 30, 2012

• Dating Violence Common by 7th Grade: Survey – More than one-third report psychological abuse, 15 percent cite physical abuse.
• Health Highlights: March 30, 2012
• Health Tip: Caring for a Chemical Burn – Suggestions for what to do.
• Health Tip: Partners Have a Role in Pregnancy – Here's how they can help.
• Justices Meet to Decide Fate of Health-Reform Legislation – Results of initial vote Friday could change as members of Supreme Court review each other's draft opinions.
• Legal Experts Offer Predictions on Fate of Health-Reform Legislation – Provision that adults must have insurance seen at risk during Supreme Court review, but maybe not the whole law.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea May Be Linked to Depression – Association seen between common sleep disorder and feelings of hopelessness, study suggests.
• Secondhand Smoke Affects Young Girls More Than Boys: Study – By age 7, lung function was six times worse for exposed girls than boys, research shows.
• Thyroid Surgery Riskier for Older Patients: Study – Those between 65 and 79 had twice the risk of serious side effects.
• Two-Thirds of Kids With Autism Have Been Bullied: Study – Middle school typically the worst time for being picked on, researchers say.
• Warm Weather Triggers Early Allergy Season – Sneezing isn't the only concern, with ticks and mosquitoes already active.
• When Paramedics Suspect Stroke, They're Usually Right – This means life-saving treatment can start earlier, study says.

Thursday March 29, 2012

• Report to the nation finds continuing declines in cancer death rates since the early 1990s
• 911 Dispatchers May Suffer From Post-Traumatic Stress – Indirect exposure to disturbing events can cause psychological disorders, study says.
• Chocolate a Sweet Remedy for Many Ills? – Preliminary research suggests cocoa might fight heart disease, cancer and even obesity.
• Even a Little Drinking May Raise Breast Cancer Risk: Study – Heavy consumption increases risk up to 50 percent, new review finds.
• First Bedside Gene Test Shows Promise – Study found it spotted which heart patients should not take blood thinner Plavix.
• Health Highlights: March 29, 2012
• Health Tip: Diabetics, Avoid Too Much Salt – Suggestions to help you cut back.
• Health Tip: Warning Signs of Gum Disease – Visit your dentist at the first symptoms.
• Heavier Baby Girls at Higher Risk for Diabetes, Heart Woes as Adults – Study found that as teens, they have larger waist size, higher blood levels of insulin, fat.
• Immersion Beats Classroom for Mastering a Foreign Tongue: Study – Either way, the brain seems to consolidate new language over time, researchers find.
• Inadequate Bowel Prep May Invalidate Colonoscopy – Study suggests procedure should be cancelled if visibility is poor.
• States' Efforts to Boost Cigarette Taxes Slows: CDC – Agency says more can be done to raise the cost of smoking, which is known to boost quit rates.
• Stigma, Shame Can Worsen Depression in Lung Cancer Patients – They may believe -- rightly or not -- that others blame them for diagnosis.
• The Human Brain: Not a Tangle, But a Grid – Scientists use high-tech imaging to discover simple logic of brain's layout.
• U.S. Autism Rate Rises to 1 in 88 Children, CDC Reports – Boys have even higher risk; experts say part of increase may be due to better diagnosis.
• Wireless Skin Patch Developed to Transmit Medical Info – Tattoo-like devices would free people from wires of EEGs, EKGs, maker says.

Wednesday March 28, 2012

• Weight loss and increased fitness slow decline of mobility in adults
• Analysts Differ on Role of 'Individual Mandate' to Health-Reform Law – Without directive to purchase insurance, costs to consumers, government would rise, all agree.
• Antipsychotic Drugs Might Raise Heart Attack Risk: Study – Researchers saw a 'modest' increase, which decreased over time.
• Could Unroasted Coffee Beans Help You Shed Pounds? – Tiny preliminary study saw weight loss, but expert urges caution.
• Early, Temporary HIV Treatment Can Postpone Long-Term Therapy – Study found giving antiretroviral drugs earlier in disease course can stabilize patients sooner.
• FDA Adds More Warnings to Antidepressant's Label – Celexa dosing should not exceed 40 mg a day, agency says.
• Gastrointestinal Tumor Patients Live Longer on Cancer Drug – Extended treatment with Gleevec increased patients' 5-year survival rates, study finds.
• Health Highlights: March 28, 2012
• Health Tip: Warning Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Usually more prominent on the thumb side of the hand.
• Health Tip: Why Am I Constipated? – Here are common reasons.
• HPV Vaccine May Help Women With Cervical Conditions – Study suggests immunization can reduce their risk for cervical disease later on.
• Justices Debate Whether Health-Care Law Can Stand Without Mandate – The controversial requirement says most adults must have health insurance or pay a penalty.
• Obesity Rates Rise Among Mexican-Americans: Report – 25-year survey results shed light on nutrition and health changes.
• Older Travelers at Much Higher Risk of Dying From Malaria – Study of U.K. tourists found particularly high risk in Gambia, West Africa.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who Quit Statins May Face Raised Death Risk – Cardiovascular disease very common among these patients, experts note.
• Study Reveals Trigger That May Speed Melanoma Growth – Researchers identified molecule in tumors that suppresses immune system.
• Supreme Court Justices Zero In on Key Provision of Health-Care Law – 'Individual mandate' requires most adults to have health insurance or pay a penalty.
• U.S. Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall: Report – But incidence of cancers linked to obesity increasing, researchers find.

Tuesday March 27, 2012

• Statement by Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on LGBT Health Awareness Week 2012
• Black Women, Uninsured Get Worse Ovarian Cancer Care: Study – Those who received substandard care less likely to survive 5 years after diagnosis.
• Bypass Surgery May Be Better Than Angioplasty for Seniors – Study found those with multi-vessel heart disease showed reduced risk of dying four years later.
• Cardiac Cocktail Delivered by Paramedics May Save Lives – Study found giving it early to heart attack patients halved cardiac arrest rates, death risk.
• Community Hospitals Safe for Angioplasty: Study – Patients did just as well in qualified local facilities as those with heart surgery units.
• Defibrillator Implantation May Be Riskier for Underweight Patients – Study suggests reasons may include frailty, other health conditions.
• Health Highlights: March 27, 2012
• Health Tip: Get Ready for Your Marathon – Suggestions before and during race day.
• Health Tip: Keep Toenails Healthy – Here's what you can do.
• Heart Screenings Yield More False-Positives Among Black Athletes – Race-specific screening criteria needed, researchers say.
• High Out-of-Pocket Costs for Kids' Asthma Drugs Could Pose Dangers – Study suggests steeper co-pays reduce medication use in insured children.
• New Injection Might Lower Tough-to-Treat Cholesterol – 'Monoclonal antibody' showed promise in small, early study.
• Omontys Approved for Anemic People With Kidney Disease
• Research Shows How Colds Lead to Coughing, Wheezing – Viruses activate 'cough receptors,' especially among those with asthma.
• Tighter Recommendations Issued for Blood Cell Transfusions – Study found patients do just as well with lower thresholds for red blood cells.
• Warfarin Helps Cut Stroke Risk, Researchers Report – Old standby holds its own against higher priced, newer meds
• Widespread CPR Training Could Boost Heart Attack Survival Rates – In Danish study, bystander assistance made difference between life, death for many patients.

Monday March 26, 2012

• 'Freezing' Secondary Breast Cancer Tumors Shows Promise – Preliminary study suggests procedure may buy time for those with advanced disease.
• 1 in 5 Pharmacies Hinders Teens' Access to 'Morning-After' Pill: Study – Whether they deliberately mislead callers or simply don't know the law is unclear.
• Analysts Debate Importance of the 'Individual Mandate' to Health-Reform Law – Without directive to purchase insurance, costs to consumers, government would rise, all agree.
• Bacteria From Mouth Can Lead to Heart Inflammation: Study – Once in the bloodstream, it can evade the immune system.
• Bed-Sharing, Smoking Play Role in Sudden Infant Death – Tummy sleeping still top cause, but other risk factors are culprits, too, research shows.
• Both Too Little and Too Much Sleep Bad for the Heart: Study – Research finds too little sleep may increase risk of stroke, heart attack; too much may cause coronary artery disease.
• Clot-buster Drug Injection Might Help Some Heart Attack Patients – Study found that it saved more cardiac muscle than clot extraction technique.
• Could Soy Help Lower Your Blood Pressure? – Antioxidants in tofu, other foods might have beneficial effect, study suggests.
• CT Scans Can Spot Heart Trouble Fast – Study shows chest-pain patients who are not having an attack could be discharged safely sooner.
• Don't Forget to Eat Your Fruits, Veggies ... and Popcorn? – The whole-grain treat a good choice for guilt-free snacking, researchers say.
• Few Young Women With Cancer Take Steps to Preserve Fertility – There are several options for women who may want to get pregnant after cancer treatment.
• Health Highlights: March 26, 2012
• Health Tip: Watch for Choking Hazards – Don't offer these foods to your baby or toddler.
• Health Tip: Why You Need Aerobic Exercise – Potential benefits include lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Legal Experts See a Close Win for Health-Reform Law – But the Supreme Court could delay any decision for several years, the law professors added.
• Low 'Bad' Cholesterol Levels May Be Linked to Cancer Risk – Preliminary study found patients had low LDL cholesterol years before cancer diagnosis.
• Low-Dose Daily Aspirin Enough to Help Heart Attack Patients: Study – Using higher dosage didn't improve outcomes, but might increase bleeding risks, experts say.
• Medicaid Expansion Is a Key Part of Affordable Care Act – While experts say it's less vulnerable to legal challenge, some worry there won't be enough doctors available.
• Ob/Gyn Visit a Good Time to Screen for Heart Disease: Study – Many women are not aware of their cardiovascular risk factors, research shows.
• People With Autism May Be Better at Processing Information – Small study suggests this ability might be an advantage in IT careers.
• Showing Patients Images of Their Clogged Arteries a Powerful Wake-Up Call – They were more likely to take statins, lose weight afterwards, studies find.
• Stem-Cell Trial Failed to Treat Heart Failure – But small improvement detected in one measure of heart function, study found.
• Supreme Court Prepares to Tackle Affordable Care Act – Sweeping federal law is designed to extend coverage to the uninsured; opponents call it unconstitutional.
• Teen Girl Drivers Likelier to Use Electronic Devices: Study – In-car videos showed more girls using cellphones, grooming, eating behind the wheel.
• Weight-Loss Surgeries May Beat Standard Treatments for Diabetes – Studies found many patients who had procedures could reduce, stop medications afterward.

Saturday March 24, 2012

• Caring Teachers May Help Keep Kids From Trying Alcohol, Drugs – Study suggests feeling close to a teacher may make a difference for kids.

Friday March 23, 2012

• Statement by Secretary Sebelius on the Affordable Care Act
• Health Tip: If You Can't Sleep – Keep a sleep diary to monitor bad habits.
• Health Tip: Managing Weight Gain – Suggestions to help keep your weight in check.
• Living Alone Linked to Greater Risk of Depression: Study – Other factors such as low income and education may also play a role.
• Obese Women at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study – Researchers took weight-based chemotherapy dosage into account.
• Vacationing With a Wanderer Demands Planning – One mother took a picture of her son every morning so if he got lost she could show people what he was wearing that day.
• When a Child With Autism Wanders, It's Crucial to Stay a Step Ahead – No locks, alarms, tracking devices can guarantee parents complete peace of mind.

Thursday March 22, 2012

• Adults Seem to Have Most Impact on Teens' School Success – Study found influence of peers not as strong as parents, teachers.
• Allergies Ahead of Schedule in Eastern United States – Record temperatures produce early pollen season.
• Antidepressants May Raise Risk for Pregnancy Complication – Use tied to maternal high blood pressure, study finds, but benefits may still outweigh risks.
• Breathing Smog in Pregnancy Linked to Child's Behavior Problems – Study found with moms' higher exposure, kids were likelier to have anxiety, depression at age 6.
• Fewer Americans Tying the Knot, Survey Shows – Government report also finds people waiting longer to marry.
• Health Highlights: March 22, 2012
• Health Tip: Choose Diabetes-Friendly Meals – What to look for when dining out.
• Health Tip: Spot the Symptoms of GERD – Heartburn is a common sign.
• Obesity Linked to Poorer Mental Skills in Seniors – The belly worst place to carry extra weight, study says.

Wednesday March 21, 2012

• National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (March 20)
• New health care law helps young adults get and keep affordable health coverage
• NIAID Statement on World TB Day - March 24, 2012
• Alternative Medicine May Help Ease Chronic Sinusitis – Study found combining it with Western treatments brought more relief to patients.
• Antibiotics Useless for Most Sinus Infections, Experts Say – New guidelines from specialists note that up to 98 percent of cases aren't bacterial.
• Blood Pressure Variance Between Arms Points to Heart Risk – Study offers more evidence that measurements from both limbs should become routine.
• Brain Scans Suggest How Alzheimer's Spreads – Finding shows disease moves through linked nerve cells.
• Fatty Meals Could Trigger Inflammation for Diabetics – People with type 2 disease had more sign of heart risk factor, study says.
• Foods' Aromas Might Help You Lose Weight – Stronger smells led to smaller bites, research found.
• Health Highlights: March 21, 2012
• Health Tip: Help Prevent Heel Problems – Here's what you can do.
• Health Tip: Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage – Here are some suggestions.
• More Evidence Shows That Daily Aspirin Might Combat Cancer – Latest findings don't mean people should start popping aspirin every morning, experts stress.
• New Blood Test May Predict Heart Attack – In small study, high levels of misshapen cells from vessel walls spelled trouble
• Pregnancy Safe for Women With Estrogen-Sensitive Breast Cancer – Early study finds these women were no more likely than others to have disease recur.
• Research Spots Potential New Target in Fight Against Baldness – Study found levels of a particular protein much higher in bald spots.
• Two Studies Find Routine Mammography Saves Lives – Decades-long look at Dutch screening program finds benefit, even as treatments got better.
• U.S. Health Systems Not Ready for Catastrophes: Report – Institute of Medicine says better coordination needed for effective response.
• U.S. Underestimates Long-Term Costs of Obesity, Experts Say – Because complications take years to develop, they may escape documentation.

Tuesday March 20, 2012

• Breaking It Down: The Health Care Law and Seniors
• Health reform provides more than 45 million women access to preventive health care services
• Secretary Sebelius statement on the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act ruling
• The Affordable Care Act and Women - Updated Fact Sheet
• Health Highlights: March 20, 2012
• Health Tip: Am I at Risk for Gum Disease? – Here are common risk factors.
• Health Tip: Manage the Pain of a Neck Sprain – Here are some treatment options.
• Ibuprofen May Ward Off Altitude Sickness – Hikers who took the medication were less likely to have symptoms of 'acute mountain sickness.'
• Infants' Faces Trigger Caregiving Impulse in Adults' Brains – The response occurred even when adults didn't know the baby, study found.
• Insects Behind Chagas Disease Are Feeding on Humans in the U.S. – Yet so far, there have been very few cases of the potentially lethal illness, experts say.
• Less Heart Disease Among Women in Wealthier States: Study – Poverty levels seem tied to levels of cardiovascular inflammation, researchers say.
• Many Americans Ambivalent Over Laws Aimed at Healthy Living – Poll finds most accept rules for safety, smoking, eating, but also worry about a 'nanny state.'
• Some People More Prone to Drinking Blackouts: Study – Difference appears to be in how the brain reacts to alcohol, scans show.
• Study Suggests Mental 'Fog' of Menopause Is Real – Women who complained of lapses did worse on memory tests.

Monday March 19, 2012

• Secretary Sebelius unveils "MyCare" stories
• Appeals Court Backs FDA Move for Graphic Images on Cigarette Packs – Ohio decision runs counter to ruling by Washington, D.C.-based judge in February.
• Could Statins Help Prevent Pneumonia? – Study suggests possible modest effect, but drugs shouldn't be taken for this use, experts say.
• Excessive Drinking Costs U.S. Colleges Millions Annually – Price tag for ER visits can top $500,000 for larger universities, study finds.
• Health Highlights: March 19, 2012
• Health Tip: Dealing With Insomnia – Suggestions that may help you sleep.
• Health Tip: Encourage Your Kids to Choose Healthy Snacks – And skip the chips and cookies.
• Kids of Meth-Using Moms at Risk of Behavioral Woes – Study suggests prenatal exposure to methamphetamine raises chances of ADHD, depression, anxiety.
• Kids Using Synthetic Pot a Growing Public Health Concern – Popularity on rise despite illegality, uncertain ingredients, bad reactions.
• Kids Willing to Fail May Perform Better Academically – Children who were told learning can be difficult did better on tests, researchers found
• Medicaid Patients Go to ERs More Often: Study – They tend to have less access to primary care doctors than the privately insured, researchers say.
• Mothers of Kids With Autism Earn Less, Study Shows – Moms may need to devote time to caring for the child, researchers say.

Friday March 16, 2012

• As White Rice Intake Rises, So May Your Risk for Diabetes – Study suggests a link, and healthier whole grain alternatives are out there, experts say.
• Health Highlights: March 16, 2012
• Health Tip: Celiac Disease May Trigger These Symptoms – Here are potential warning signs.
• Health Tip: Make 'Tummy Time' Fun – Suggestions to help improve playtime.
• Menopause May Cost Women Sick Days – Those with more bothersome symptoms are less productive at work, study finds.
• National Screening Urged to Detect Eye Disease in Blacks – Undiagnosed glaucoma contributes to vision loss, mainly in blacks, researchers say.
• Poor Reading Skills Might Be Fatal for Older Folks – Inability to understand medical instructions associated with higher death rates in 5-year study.
• Psoriasis Patients May Face Higher Heart Risk – They should be screened for signs of cardiovascular disease, expert says.
• Researcher Uses Genomics to Predict His Odds for Disease – It's another example of the future of 'personalized medicine,' scientists say.
• Stressed Parents May Affect Preemie Behavior Later – Aggression, distraction more likely at 3 if mom, dad seemed troubled when child turns 2, researchers report.
• With Spanking, Nature and Nurture Create More Aggression, Study Suggests – Physical discipline seen to make problem worse in boys with certain genetic tendencies.

Thursday March 15, 2012

• Tips from Former Smokers Campaign - From SmokeFree.org and CDC
• Bike Trail in Poorer Neighborhood Boosts Exercise – Extra-wide, two-mile trail in Tennessee draws joggers, bike riders.
• Cadmium in Diet May Increase Breast Cancer Risk – Study found women who consumed the most were 21% more likely to develop disease.
• CDC Launches Graphic Anti-Smoking Campaign – The hope is to get 50,000 people to quit, the agency says.
• Could Trans Fats Make You Cranky? – The more of the unhealthy dietary fat people ate, the greater their irritability, aggression, study shows.
• Deeper Voices Win Over Voters, Study Finds – It may not be what candidates say, but how they sound when they say it that matters.
• Electronic Diary Helped Obese Adults Stick to Weight-Loss Plan – But after 2 years, the results didn't last, study finds.
• Eyes a Window Into Brain Health: Study – Women with damage to blood vessels in the eyes were more likely to experience mental declines.
• Fetal Exposure to Cellphone Radiation Tied to ADHD-Like Symptoms in Mice – Behaviors seemed to rise with added exposure, but experts stress that rodent findings are preliminary.
• Giving Birth to Small Babies Linked to Heart Disease in Moms: Study – Risk of cardiovascular trouble was nearly doubled for these women
• Health Highlights: March 15, 2012
• Health Tip: Bringing Home a Premature Baby – Here are questions new parents should ask.
• Health Tip: Keep Crohn's Under Control – Suggestions to help manage the disease.
• Hospital Saved Millions by Keeping Close Eye on Antibiotic Use – Seven-year program eliminated overuse without compromising care.
• Many Alcoholics Suffered Childhood Trauma: Study – Physical, sexual, emotional abuse reported by many people in detox.
• Many Women Say No to Breast-Feeding for 6 Months: Survey – Some report struggling with unrealistic expectations, pressures.
• Too Much Exercise Delays Pregnancy in Normal-Weight Women: Study – But vigorous workouts don't seem to affect fertility in heavy women, researchers say.

Wednesday March 14, 2012

• National Estimate Shows Not Enough Young Women Tested for Chlamydia
• Nearly 800,000 Deaths Prevented Due to Declines in Smoking
• Anti-Smoking Efforts Saved 795,000 Lives Over 25 Years: Study – Public smoking bans, higher cigarette taxes, increased risk awareness all helped.
• Brisk Daily Walk Could Counter 'Obesity Genes' – But finding doesn't prove exercise is the only factor, researchers stress.
• Health Highlights: March 14, 2012
• Health Tip: Pack a Healthy, Easy Lunch – Here are some suggestions.
• Health Tip: What Causes Hearing Loss? – Here are some common causes.
• Inflammation Might Play Role in Heart Disease: Study – Findings suggest certain drugs might prevent hardening of the arteries.
• Lack of Sleep May Give You the Munchies – Sleep-deprived people eat more than 500 extra calories daily, study finds.
• Low-Carb, Low-Fat Diets May Each Help the Heart – Loss of belly fat through either method benefits arteries, study says.
• Recent Rise Seen in Foodborne Diseases From Imports: CDC – Fish, peppers caused 22 of 39 imported food-linked outbreaks between 2005-2010, review shows.
• Type of Bacteria May Be Linked to Diabetes – Researchers find association between H. pylori infection, type 2 disease.
• U.S. Deaths From Gastro Infections Doubled Over 8 Years: CDC – Easily transmitted germs such as norovirus and C. difficile are prime culprits.
• Watching Movie Stars Light Up May Spur Kids to Smoke – Kids who saw more tobacco use on film from ages 9 to 14 tended to become regular smokers.
• Your Neighborhood Can Affect Your Heart Health – People living near parks and trails, with access to fresh food, had healthier hearts.

Tuesday March 13, 2012

• 75-Year Study Finds Dramatic Rise in U.S. Lifespans – Less smoking, better meds fuel lower death risk rates across all age groups since 1935.
• Ban Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements, U.K. Researchers Assert – Failure rates are much higher in metal-on-metal devices than in those with other materials.
• Cooler Hands Might Boost Your Workout, Study Suggests – Chilling device held in the palms helped obese women last longer, stick with exercise.
• Endoscopy May Be Better Than Surgery for Severe Pancreatic Infection – Small, early study found lower risk of death and complications with less invasive procedure.
• Gene Discovery Gives Clues to a Childhood Cancer – 90% of neuroblastomas hit kids under 10, but they're more likely to survive than teen patients.
• Health Highlights: March 13, 2012
• Health Tip: Calm a Canker Sore – Suggestions to help it heal.
• Health Tip: Manage Memory Loss – Tips to help you remember.
• Higher Spending Tied to Better Outcomes in Ontario Hospitals – But researchers note that Canada spends much less per person on health care costs than United States.
• Long Space Missions May Harm Astronauts' Eyes – Studying effects of microgravity could improve understanding of 'intracranial hypertension' cases.
• Many Docs Order Unneeded Lung Cancer Screening Tests: Survey – Not only wasteful, tests can lead to unnecessary treatments for patients.
• Mothers on Antidepressants Less Likely to Breast-Feed: Study – Pregnant women who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may need more nursing education.
• One Antibiotic Appears to Ease Severe E. Coli Infection – Small study looked at bacteria that caused German outbreak.
• Race, Location Big Factors in American Diets – Study finds 5 major patterns of food consumption based on environment, background.
• Sleep Apnea Treatment May Help Ward Off Heart Failure: Study – Nighttime breathing disorder might alter heart's function, but CPAP mask therapy seems to help.

Monday March 12, 2012

• Exercise Might Boost Kids' Academic Ability – Pretest 'warm-ups' boosted test scores in study of Italian schoolchildren.
• Farm Hazards a Serious Threat to Kids, Study Finds – Injuries often severe, usually not work-related, researchers say.
• FDA Panel to Weigh Second Chance for New Class of Painkillers – Trials halted in 2010 after some taking the drugs may have overworked damaged knees, needed surgery.
• Health Highlights: March 12, 2012
• Health Tip: Caring for Baby After Circumcision – Advice to foster healing and prevent infection.
• Health Tip: The Right Diet Can Boost Athletic Performance – Here's why you should eat well.
• Lost Hour of Sleep Over Weekend May Put Heart at Risk Monday – Expert warns of 10% increase in heart attack risk among those who don't prepare for lost sleep.
• Married Heart Surgery Patients Live Longer – Single patients' odds of dying are twice as high over five years, study says.
• More Insight on Possible Role of Vitamin D Against Alzheimer's – Study looked at vitamin D3's function in clearing brain of disease-related plaques.
• Stair-Related Injuries a Threat to Preschoolers: Study – Study estimates 931,000 youngsters hurt from 1999 to 2008.

Friday March 9, 2012

• Protecting Women and Girls from HIV/AIDS
• Coming Soon: At-Home Sperm Test for Couples Trying to Conceive – But experts say that in some cases, it may give men false sense of their reproductive health.
• Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85? – Elderly who were obese had slightly lower risk of death in study.
• Drug Seems to Speed Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury – Study suggests amantadine may gently awaken patients in vegetative, minimally conscious states.
• EKG Testing May Spot Fatal Heart Conditions in Children – Evidence review looked at three conditions that cause sudden cardiac death.
• Health Highlights: March 9, 2012
• Health Tip: Minimize Breastfeeding Pain – Steps you can take.
• Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Heart Disease – Work on these risk factors.
• Keeping Young Athletes Safe From Sexual Abuse – Danger lies with familiar people, not strangers, experts say.
• Kids Who Bully May Be More Likely to Smoke, Drink – Bullying behavior more common in middle school, substance use greater in high school, study finds.
• LSD Might Help Alcoholics Quit, Stay Abstinent: Study – Analysis found single dose helped problem drinkers, especially in first few months.
• Mother's Voice May Help Premature Babies Breathe Easier – In small study, researchers played recordings of mom's heartbeat and voice in incubators.
• One in Four HIV Patients Has Long Gaps Between Doctor's Visits: Study – Findings indicate some patients are 'falling through the cracks'
• Researchers ID Gene for Neck Disorder – Cervical dystonia is a painful condition in which the neck muscles force the head to move involuntarily.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis May Raise Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder – Atrial fibrillation is a common problem that increases the risk of stroke.
• Spring Ahead Without Losing Too Much Sleep – Advice from an expert on making the switch to daylight saving time.
• When Unneeded, Induced Labor May Increase Complications – Mother, child fare best with spontaneous labor at 38 to 39 weeks' gestation, study finds.

Thursday March 8, 2012

• Surgeon General releases new report on youth smoking
• Alzheimer's, Dementia Care to Cost U.S. $200 Billion This Year – Alzheimer's Association projects continued increases in payments as baby boomers age.
• Certain Beliefs Motivate Health Care Workers to Get Flu Shots – Doctors, nurses don't always rush to immunization, review finds.
• Cured Meat Products Linked to Lung Disease Flare-Ups – Nitrates in bacon, sausage, lunch meats might worsen airway disease symptoms, researchers say.
• Fruits, Veggies Can Be Beauty Tools, Study Says – Skin color improves as consumption increases, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: March 8, 2012
• Health Tip: Diabetics, Take Care of Your Feet – Reduce the risk of foot ulcers.
• Health Tip: Help Prevent Birth Defects – Steps you can take.
• Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Found in Many Household Products: Study – These ingredients also found in some 'alternative' brands, researchers say.
• Insulin Resistance May Lead to Kidney Disease in the Elderly: Study – Those with metabolic syndrome more likely to see rapid renal-function decline, researchers say.
• People in Poor Neighborhoods Have More Pain, Study Finds – Blacks experience more pain, disability regardless of where they live, research shows.
• Surgeon General: Nearly 4 Million U.S. Kids Still Smoke – Report says tobacco industry targets marketing toward children.
• U.S. Army Suicides Rising Sharply, Study Finds – Service in Iraq and Afghanistan appears to be the cause of increasing mental-health problems.

Wednesday March 7, 2012

• Health care reform law helps 1.3 million minority young adults obtain health insurance
• Drug Approved to Prevent Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Estrogen-Only Therapy May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk – Study looked at women with hysterectomy taking hormones for menopause symptoms.
• Experimental Drug Offers Hope for Rare Bone Disease: Study – Replaces missing enzyme in babies with severe hypophosphatasia.
• Experimental Drug Shows Promise Against Cushing's Disease – In phase 3 trial, symptoms improved in people with rare hormonal disorder, study found.
• Fetal Cocaine Exposure May Not Affect Kids' Academics: Study – Drinking during pregnancy did show impact on learning ability.
• Genes Play a Role in Drug Abuse Risk Among Adopted Kids: Study – But good adoptive relationships offer some protection, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: March 7, 2012
• Health Tip: Coping With Diabetes – Accepting your diagnosis.
• Health Tip: Skip TV and Get Active – Here are healthier suggestions.
• Hope and Optimism May Cloud Judgment in ICUs – Family members tend to put good spin on bad news, which may lead to poor decisions, researchers say.
• Is Cancer Outwitting 'Personalized Medicine'? – Discovery of many genetic mutations within one cell may dash hopes for targeted treatments.
• Kids' Penicillin Allergy May Not Signal Other Drug Reactions – Study finds no greater risk of allergies to other meds in kids who test positive to common antibiotic.
• Many U.S. Families Struggle to Pay Medical Bills – Poor and near poor suffer most, CDC statistics show.
• Pregnancy May Protect Against MS, Study Says – Researchers found being pregnant just once might decrease risk by half.
• Self-Centered Kids May Just Have Immature Brains – Study suggests poor impulse control improves with age.
• Study Produces Mixed Results on Alzheimer's Drugs – Aricept, Namenda combo may not boost benefits, but staying on Aricept worthwhile, findings show.
• Transplant Procedure Creates 'Hybrid' Immune System to Combat Rejection – Bone marrow cell transfer possible way to prevent common problem with organ donation, preliminary study suggests.
• Woman's Recovery From Advanced Melanoma Could Help Guide Research – In rare case, her immune system was spurred to eliminate tumors even in distant sites, researchers say.

Tuesday March 6, 2012

• Amish Farm Kids Have Lower Asthma, Allergy Risk: Study – Findings on Swiss children support notion that early exposure to allergens may be beneficial.
• Brain Scans Overused on U.S. Stroke Patients, Study Says – Most get both MRI and CT imaging, adding to rising medical costs.
• Computerization May Not Curb Medical Tests, Costs – Doctors order more scans if they have easy access to results, study shows.
• Dangerous Bacteria Also Spreads Outside Hospitals: CDC – C. difficile infections and death rates at 'historic highs,' experts say
• Genetic Tweak Helps Mice Avoid Cancer, Obesity: Study – But it's not clear what this means for humans, researchers say.
• Health Highlights: March 6, 2012
• Health Tip: Choosing the Right Athletic Shoes – Pay attention to these features.
• Health Tip: Lower Your Risk for Osteoporosis – Here are factors you can control.
• High Heels Can Bring on Ingrown Toenails – Can't trade in stilettos for sensible shoes? You can still protect your feet.
• Hospitalizations Up for Severe Skin Swelling – Called angioedema, the condition often affects the deep layers of skin in the eyes and mouth.
• Lack of Vitamin D May Harm Older Women's Health – Better prevention, treatment of deficiency needed for nursing home patients, researchers say.
• Narcotic Painkillers Another Threat to Traumatized War Vets: Study – Those with mental health issues more likely to be prescribed highly addictive meds, research shows.
• Poor Sleep May Impact Stress Response in Older Adults – Effect on immune system might increase the risk of health problems, researchers say.
• When Drugs Fail, Surgery May Get Epilepsy Under Control – Small study finds those with temporal lobe disorder can be seizure-free afterward.
• Wine Ratings May Be Meaningless for Most People – Experts seem to have more sensitive sense of taste than average consumer, study finds.

Monday March 5, 2012

• Health reform law ends lifetime limits for 105 million Americans
• BPA Exposure May Raise Risk of Heart Disease – People might come into contact with bisphenol A through packaged foods, drinking water, dental sealants.
• Children With Asthma at Higher Risk for Shingles: Study – Painful skin condition typically strikes older adults, researchers note.
• Depression Could Worsen Mental Decline in Heart Patients – Long-term monitoring of depressive symptoms is needed, researchers say.
• Drinking Scenes in Movies May Spur Teens to Do the Same – Kids who had seen more films featuring alcohol were more likely to binge on booze, study finds.
• Health Highlights: March 5, 2012
• Health Tip: At Risk for Muscle Cramps – Who is most likely to get them.
• Health Tip: Dealing With Dry Mouth – What you can do if you have the condition.
• Heavy Kids May Not Respond as Well to Asthma Meds – As weight climbs, so does daily corticosteroid dosage, study says.
• Kids' Concussion Symptoms Can Last a Year, Study Says – Symptoms may affect school and quality of life.
• Late Preemie Birth May Be Linked to Higher Asthma Risk – About 1 in 4 born at 34 to 37 weeks' gestation developed respiratory disease by age 8, study finds.
• Many Asthmatics Do Well on Food-Allergy Tests, Study Finds – Less likely to have a bad reaction during an oral food-allergy test.
• Many Pilots, Truck Drivers Sleep-Deprived, Survey Finds – Erratic shift work compounds the problem, and 1 in 10 transportation workers toils while drowsy.
• Moms' Antidepressants May Affect Babies' Head Size: Study – Pregnant women may want to try alternatives to treat depression, experts say.
• Mouse Study Suggests Vitamin E May Weaken Bones – Still too soon to warn people off supplements, expert stresses.
• Severe PMS May Last Longer Than Thought – Psychiatric changes persist after period starts for women with condition known as PMDD, study says.
• Smoke Exposure Late in Pregnancy Might Boost Baby's Eczema Risk – But study finds no raised risk for skin condition from exposure early in pregnancy or after birth.
• Snoring Tots May Develop Behavioral Issues Later – Study found those who had worst sleep problems seemed most at risk.
• Vitamin D May Cut Stress Fracture Risk in Girls – Yet consuming lots of dairy or calcium wasn't associated with risk reduction, study says.
• Whole-Body CT Scans Can Miss Traumatic Injuries: Study – ER doctors should wait 30 minutes before ordering them, researchers say.
• Youngest Kids in Class More Apt to Get ADHD Diagnosis: Study – Researchers suggest some may just be immature for their grade.

Friday March 2, 2012

• Statement from Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Women's History Month
• 'Parent Training' May Help Kids With Autism Behave Better – Teaching mom, dad to manage problem behaviors can improve overall functioning, study shows.
• Bullying May Raise Risk of Suicidal Thoughts: Study – Both victims, bullies more likely to consider taking own life by age 11.
• College Women's Condom Use Falls in Freshman Year – Binge drinking, bad grades were among the factors that affected condom use.
• For Sleep Struggles, Women Urged to Alter Routines – Behavioral changes set the stage better than pills, experts say.
• Health Highlights: March 2, 2012
• Health Tip: Help Your Child Develop a Healthy Approach to Eating – And help prevent extreme concerns about weight.
• Health Tip: Living With Restless Legs Syndrome – Suggestions to help manage symptoms.
• Kidney Donors May Not Face Higher Heart Disease Risk – In first decade after transplant, risk was slightly lower than for non-donors, study finds.
• Parents' Wishes Sway Docs' Choices on Preterm Deliveries – Study found practice, counseling in very early gestation differed greatly among obstetricians.
• Prescription Meds Can Put on Unwanted Pounds – They include drugs for diabetes, mood disorders and other chronic conditions.
• Regular Pap Smear Boosts Cervical Cancer Survival: Study – Screening is important even after HPV vaccine, experts say.
• Sickle Cell Blood Test Might Predict Severity of Disease – Study suggests it could be used to guide treatment for individual patients.
• Smoking Linked to Higher Rate of Psoriasis: Study – But it's not proven that smoking causes the painful skin condition.
• Timing of Preemie Birth May Be Key to Kids' Health Later – The earlier the delivery, the poorer the health at ages 3 to 5, researchers say.
• Too Many Americans Skipping Colon Cancer Screening – Americans 50 and older who haven't had a colonoscopy screening should get one, experts urge.
• Twitter Adding to Stigma of Epilepsy, Study Says – 'Tweets' mentioning seizures often include jokes about serious neurological disorder.
• Young Puzzle-Solvers May Be Tomorrow's Engineers – Study found playing with puzzles at young age helps children develop spatial skills.

Thursday March 1, 2012

• Health Highlights: March 1, 2012
• Health Tip: Appreciate Your Body Image While Pregnant – Suggestions to help you prepare for the changes.
• Health Tip: Help Manage IBS Symptoms – Suggestions that may offer relief.
• Mouse Study Shows How Pot Clouds Memory – Lab study focuses on passive support cells in brain.
• Older Adults Do Get a Good Night's Rest, Survey Finds – Sleep disturbances, daytime fatigue not a given in later years.
• Trans Fats May Raise Stroke Risk in Older Women – Study found those who ate the most had 39% greater chance of trouble, though aspirin use helped.
• U.S. Will Push to Have Graphic Warnings on Cigarettes – Pledge comes after judge blocked FDA mandate, calling it unconstitutional.
• Vitamin A Supplements Might Cut Melanoma Risk: Study – Being 'sun-smart' is still the best prevention, one expert says.
• Web-Based Therapy May Help Teens With Chronic Fatigue – Online treatment linked to fewer severe symptoms of syndrome, better school attendance, study finds.

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Content last updated March 31, 2012.

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