Health News

Health News for 02/23/10

February 23, 2010

New Heart CT Scans Deliver Far Less Radiation: Study

The newest heart imaging CT technology exposes patients to as much as 91 percent less radiation than standard CT scanning, researchers say.

Doctors Working Less, Earning Less

Although physicians still work long hours, the past decade has seen a sharp decline in the average number of hours they work each week, a new study finds.

Tests to Measure Safety of Anti-Clotting Drugs of Limited Value

Tests that try to single out who will have bleeding problems when they get a clot-preventing drug such as Plavix before surgery aren't ready for regular use, a new Dutch study concludes.

Two Sepsis Treatments Look Equally Effective

Two treatment methods for severe sepsis achieve similar short-term survival rates, a new study shows.

Hospital Stays May Spur Brain Decline in Seniors

Elderly people who have been hospitalized have an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Mammogram Plus MRI Seems Cost-Effective in High-Risk Women

Annual screening with both mammography and MRI appears to be a cost-effective way to improve life expectancy in women at high risk for breast cancer, U.S. researchers say.

Bitter Melon Extract May Slow, Stop Breast Cancer

A popular nutritional supplement -- extract of bitter melon -- may help protect women from breast cancer, researchers say.

Access to Mammograms Drops After Guidelines Change

In some states, access to mammograms for women ages 40 to 49 has decreased since new breast cancer screening guidelines were released in November by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to a new survey.

More Expensive Hospital Care May Not Mean Better

Hospitals that spend more to treat patients don't necessarily have the best quality of care, researchers say.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 23, 2010

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

Health Highlights: Feb. 23, 2010

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

Exercise Can Quiet Anxiety That Comes With Illness

People suffering from anxiety can find some relief through regular exercise, University of Georgia researchers report.

Hospital-Acquired Sepsis, Pneumonia a 'Growing Menace'

Sepsis and pneumonia caused by hospital-acquired infections killed 48,000 people and led to $8.1 billion in increased health care costs in the United States in 2006, says a new study by a project called Extending the Cure.

Dry Weather Boosts Odds of Flu Outbreaks

Rain and snow may seem like perfect incubators for the flu, but new research suggests that low humidity and unusually dry skies might be responsible for increases in influenza, such as those that occur during winter months.

Antidepressants in Pregnancy May Delay Developmental Milestones

Babies of women who take antidepressants during the latter part of pregnancy are slower in reaching some developmental milestones, new research shows.

Happy People More Likely to Try Something New

If you're feeling sad, you're more likely to crave your favorite comfort food than exotic fare at a restaurant you've never eaten at before, because a negative mood makes the familiar more attractive, new psychological research suggests.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms within a deep vein, most often in the calf or thigh area.

Health Tip: Warning Signs That You May Have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme tiredness and a feeling of being worn out all the time, even after waking up. Its cause isn't understood.