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October 2012

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.
• Brain Scans Suggest Downside to Skipping Breakfast – Small study found fasting prompts people to seek out high-calorie foods.
• 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 – 2 U.S. lawmakers ask Justice Dept. to investigate the specialty pharmacy, report says.
• Health Highlights: Oct. 17, 2012
• Health Tip: Treating Swimmer's Ear – See a doctor.
• 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.
• Study Sees Link Between Prolonged Formula Feeding, Leukemia Risk – But the research only uncovered an association, it didn't prove cause and effect.
• 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.

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 17, 2012.

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