Health News

Health News for 02/12/10

February 12, 2010

Breast Cancer Stats Differ Racially Despite Similar Mammogram Rates

Black women are 30 percent to 90 percent more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer than white women, researchers report.

Mexican-Americans Most Active in U.S.

Mexican-Americans are tops in meeting national health goals for physical activity, says a new study that challenges previous research that found whites are the most likely to be physically active.

Wedding Band Makes Jealousy a Bigger Threat

Jealousy can dampen romance and damage sexual intimacy, especially if it occurs within a marriage, says new research that serves as a caution for couples as Valentine's Day approaches.

Gay Men's Evolutionary Role May Be to Help Protect Young Kin

Homosexual men appear to have an important role to play in perpetuating the family genes, a new study suggests.

57 Million Americans Sickened by H1N1 Flu: CDC

With the H1N1 swine flu pandemic apparently winding down, federal health officials said Friday that about 57 million Americans have suffered through the illness since last April, and the total could range as high as 84 million.

Low-Dose Antibiotics May Promote Drug Resistance

U.S. scientists have discovered another way that improper antibiotic use can lead to the development of dangerous multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Girl Softball Players Suffering More Shoulder Injuries

While shoulder injuries among boys playing high school baseball are common among pitchers, the same injuries among girl softball players are becoming common in several positions, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: Feb. 12, 2010

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

Want to Find Love? Be Giving

Looking for someone to celebrate next Valentine's Day with? New research suggests you'll gain extra points with prospective mates if you give of yourself to others in activities like volunteering.

Another Study Refutes Vaccination-Autism Link

One more study finds that the measles vaccine -- given alone or as part of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine -- does not increase the risk of autism in children.

Sweat Lodges, Steam Rooms Aren't for Detox

The Web is filled with products and practices that promise to "detoxify" the body through various means, from extreme diets to spa treatments to sweating.

Heel-First Walking Conserves Energy

It takes far less energy to walk heel-first than to walk on the balls of your feet or on your toes, a new study has found.

Pro Athletes' Brains React at Olympic Speed

If competitors at the winter Olympic Games opening in Canada Friday seem more on the ball than their sedentary peers, they probably are. Heightened brain activity enables elite athletes to see and react to their opponents' moves faster than less skilled players, a new study finds.

Too Much Mercury in Canned Tuna -- Or Is There?

A report last week that more than half of samples of brand-name canned tuna contained more mercury than deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) raised concern among tuna lovers everywhere.

Health Tip: Prevent a Raspy Voice

If your voice gets hoarse when you overuse it or when you have a cold, the Center for Voice at Northwestern University suggests how you can treat a croaky voice or prevent its recurrence:

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is a mental illness that affects women after pregnancy.