Health News

Health News for 02/15/10

February 15, 2010

Survey Finds Many Men Complaining of Ill-Fitting Condoms

Poorly fitting condoms not only boost the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, they also reduce sexual pleasure during intercourse, a new study has found.

'Fishy Smell' May Keep Patients From Diabetes Drug

The commonly used diabetes medication metformin sometimes has such an unpleasant odor that people may stop taking it, experts say.

Cigars, Pipes No 'Healthy' Alternative to Cigarettes

MONDAY, Feb. 15 (HealthDay News) --People who think they're protecting their lungs by smoking pipes or cigars instead of cigarettes are kidding themselves, a new study shows.

Elevators Can Bring Injury to Seniors

Over 2,600 senior citizens suffer serious elevator-related injuries each year in the United States, and three-quarters of them are women, according to the results of the first large-scale study of these events.

'Bonding' Hormone Might Help Some With Autism

People with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome were better able to "catch" social cues after inhaling the hormone oxytocin, new research shows.

Botox May Prevent Some Migraines

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox), the drug that can temporarily erase wrinkles, may also help prevent some types of migraines, a small study suggests.

Repeated Weight-Loss Surgery Carries Added Risks

Repeat weight-loss surgery carries a higher risk of complications than the initial surgical procedure, new research has found.

Minorities Not Treated at Higher-Quality Centers

Minority patients in New York City receive less specialized surgical care than white patients, according to a new study.

Drugs That Shift Cell's Energy Find New Purpose

Researchers have identified several drugs that can change the way cells convert nutrients into energy, and they could potentially be used to treat heart attack, stroke and other conditions.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 15, 2010

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

Health Highlights: Feb. 15, 2010

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

Diabetes Drugs Avandia, Actos Tied to Fractures in Women

Women who take diabetes drugs known as thiazolidinediones, which include Avandia and Actos, are at a greater risk of bone fractures, a new study finds.

TV Shows Often Botch Proper Seizure Responses

TV medical shows aren't the place to learn how to provide proper first aid for a person suffering a seizure, a new study says.

Herpes Drug Might Also Slow HIV Progression

New research suggests that people who are infected with both HIV-1, a strain of the AIDS virus, and herpes simplex virus type 2 could benefit in more than one way by taking a herpes drug called acyclovir. In addition to treating herpes, the medication appears to also slow the progression of HIV.

Health Tip: When an Animal Bites You

Since animal bites can lead to infection, rabies or internal injury, they should always be taken seriously.

Health Tip: Understanding Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures, says the U.S. National Safety Council.

Rapid Flu Test Most Accurate for Young Kids

A widely available rapid influenza diagnostic test is good, but not perfect, in determining whether a child has the flu, a new study shows.