Health News

Health News for 01/21/10

January 21, 2010

Vitamin D May Lower Colon Cancer Risk

High levels of vitamin D in the blood appear to be linked to lower risks of colorectal cancer, although it's not clear if higher intake of the vitamin actually prevents the disease, researchers say.

Quitting Smoking Doubles Survival in Early Stage Lung Cancer

Quitting smoking after a diagnosis of early stage lung cancer doubles the odds that a patient will live another five years, a new study finds.

Even in War Zones, Battle Doesn't Cause Most Injuries

Fractures, tendonitis and other musculoskeletal and connective tissue injuries are the most common reasons for medical evacuation of U.S. military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, a new study shows.

U.S. Birth Weights Falling, But Reasons Unclear

Babies brought to term by healthy, white mothers in the United States now weigh almost 3 ounces less than they did 20 years ago, and no one knows why, a new report shows.

Smokers More Prone to Long-Term Prescription Painkiller Use

THURSDAY, Jan. 21 (HealthDay News) Smoking, as well as the medicinal use of opioid painkillers such as oxycodone, are independent predictors of longer-term opioid pain medication use among patients with chronic back pain caused by lumbar spine conditions, a new U.S. study finds.

As Obesity Increases, So Does Stroke Risk

The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have a stroke, a new study reports.

FDA Warns of Heart Risks With Diet Drug

The weight-loss pill Meridia should not be used by people with a history of heart problems because the drug can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke in such people, U.S. drug regulators said Thursday.

1 in 5 U.S. Kids Has High Cholesterol

Twenty percent of U.S. children and teens have abnormal lipid levels, an indication of too much bad cholesterol, too little good cholesterol or high triglycerides, federal health officials report.

Genetics Used to Track Transmission of MRSA Bacteria

New technology has made it possible, for the first time, to track the potentially deadly bacteria MRSA around the world or from one person to another, a new study reports.

Combo Test Might Spot Ovarian Cancer Early

The ability to detect early-stage ovarian cancer may be improved by using contrast-enhanced ultrasound combined with proteomic analyses of blood samples, a new study shows.

Health Highlights: Jan. 21, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 21, 2010

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

New Test Catches Most Pancreatic Cancers Early

Researchers report they've developed a test that detects early-stage pancreatic cancer by measuring levels of a protein that's present in 90 percent of cancerous and precancerous lesions.

Chemicals in Carpets, Non-Stick Pans Tied to Thyroid Disease

Chemicals found in carpeting, non-stick cookware and fabrics are linked to an increase in thyroid disease, new research suggests.

Common Breast Cancer Traced to Cell Origins

The cells of origin for the most common form of breast cancer have been identified by researchers, who say the finding offers a possible new target for breast cancer drugs.

Radiation Dose Lower With Digital Mammography

Digital mammography delivers significantly less radiation than conventional mammography, and the reduction in radiation exposure may be greater for women with larger and denser breasts, a new study has found.

Scientists Read Brain's Magnetic Fields to Spot PTSD

For the first time, researchers have been able to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by reading patterns of magnetic fields created by brain cells.

Dual Treatment Cuts Dangerous Hospital Infection

A new treatment for a widespread and virulent bacterial infection, Clostridium difficile , appears to dramatically cut recurrence, researchers report.

Rocking Embryos Might Boost IVF Success

Scientists say they boosted the success of in vitro fertilization in mice by gently rocking embryos before implanting them into the womb.

Health Tip: Caring for Acne-Prone Skin

The exact cause of acne isn't understood, but the American Academy of Dermatology says four factors are involved: too much oil, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation.

Health Tip: Understanding Repetitive Stress Injuries

Repetitive stress injury most often affects people who spend a lot of time at the computer or video game console. The repetitive motions of certain sports, such as tennis, also can lead to an RSI.