Health headlines
September 2012
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
Content last updated September 13, 2012.
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