Health News

Health News for 01/12/10

January 12, 2010

Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia

Blood pressure drugs that block the protein angiotensin appear to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, a new study finds.

Vitamin D Plus Calcium Guards Against Fractures

Daily supplements of calcium and vitamin D reduce the risk of fractures in women and men of all ages, even if they've suffered previous fractures, but vitamin D supplements alone don't offer significant protection, a new study has found.

Loss of Smell Could Be Early Sign of Alzheimer's

New research in mice suggests that loss of smell could serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease.

FocusDriven Seeks to Crack Down on Distracted Drivers

More than 500,000 people were injured and nearly 6,000 people were killed last year in motor-vehicle accidents involving a driver who was distracted while using a cell phone or texting device, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported Tuesday.

Men, Women Respond to Stress Differently

The brains of men and women handle stress differently and that alters the way their bodies experience chronic diseases such as depression, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders, U.S. researchers report.

Gene Variant Could Lower Alzheimer's Risk

A gene variant that is good for the heart also appears to be good for the brain, slowing age-related decline in mental function and cutting the odds for Alzheimer's disease, a study indicates.

With Pancreatic Cancer, Age Factors Into Familial Risk

People with a family member who had pancreatic cancer before age 50 face a greatly increased risk for the disease, a new study has found.

Green Tea May Lower Lung Cancer Risk

Antioxidants in green tea appear to significantly lower the risk for developing lung cancer among smokers and nonsmokers alike, new research from Taiwan reveals.

Combo PET-CT Scans Can Spot Hidden Cancers

A combination whole-body PET-CT scan is more accurate than some other commonly used tests in detecting cancer in patients with neurologic symptoms, according to U.S. researchers.

Alzheimer's Drug Might Help Prevent Esophageal Cancer

An experimental Alzheimer's drug may help prevent esophageal cancer, a new study shows.

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 12, 2010

Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com :

Health Highlights: Jan. 12, 2010

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay :

Could a Bigger Bottom Boost Health?

Big-bottomed women, take heart.

Long-Term Statin Use Best Way to Cut Cardiovascular Deaths

A 50 percent increase in patients adhering to long-term treatment with cholesterol-lowering statins could prevent twice as many deaths from heart attack and stroke, British researchers say.

Report Card on Tobacco Control Laws a Mixed Bag

The U.S. government took some important steps last year to prevent tobacco-related disease and death, but most states got a failing grade and 10 made alarming cuts to their tobacco control programs, a new report shows.

Doctors Put Off End-of-Life Talks With Terminally Ill

Terminally ill patients have much to consider, from whether they want to die at home or in the hospital to whether they want doctors to continue aggressive treatment or focus on making them comfortable during their final weeks or months.

Faster Heart Rate May Raise Risk of Heart Attack Death

For women under age 70, every 10-beat-per-minute increase in resting heart rate boosts the risk of dying from a heart attack by 18 percent, a new study has found.

Health Tip: Preparing for Winter Weather

Outdoor chores and activities are much tougher when you must contend with snow, ice and frigid temperatures.

Health Tip: Track What You Eat

A food diary can help you track how much food -- and how many calories -- you're taking in. This can help make it easier to lose those extra pounds.