Health News

Health News for 06/21/10

June 21, 2010

Health Tip: Help Manage GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when what's inside your stomach backs up into the esophagus. This may trigger an unpleasant taste in the mouth and a burning sensation in the chest or throat, commonly called heartburn.

Chimps Kill Neighbors to Gain New Territory

It has long been known that chimpanzees sometimes kill their neighboring primates, and now new research suggests that they are apparently motivated to do so by a desire to gain territory.

Inexperienced Female Athletes Risk Serious Health Problems

As women increasingly compete in marathons and triathlons, experts warn that inexperienced female endurance athletes can damage their health.

Higher Testosterone Tied to Heart Trouble in Older Men

Among older men, having a high testosterone level is associated with a raised risk of heart disease or a heart attack, new research suggests.

Age, Race May Affect Type 2 Diabetes Screening Results

Despite its endorsement last year by the American Diabetes Association as an effective way to diagnose type 2 diabetes, new research out of Singapore suggests that the hemoglobin A1c blood test may not accurately identify the disease among elderly Asians.

Health Tip: Help Keep Joints Healthy

People with arthritis can take steps to lessen pain, increase movement and improve their mobility.

PCBs May Weaken Kids' Vaccination Response

Children exposed early in life to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may have a reduced immune response to tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, a new study indicates.

Flame Retardant May Up Risk of Thyroid Problems in Pregnancy

Exposure to flame-retardant chemicals may reduce a pregnant woman's levels of certain thyroid hormones that play a critical role in fetal brain development, a new study shows.

Many Diabetics Unaware of Hot Weather Hazards

Although diabetes raises the chances of developing heat illness, many people with the condition don't know how to reduce their risk, a new Mayo Clinic survey reveals.

Cartoon Characters Sell Kids on Unhealthy Foods

Popular cartoon characters are influencing the taste preferences of very young children, and not in a positive way, a new study suggests.

Obesity Doesn't Always Guarantee Heart Disease

For a small number of obese people, those extra pounds do not condemn them to heart disease or diabetes, Dutch researchers report.

Genome for Human Body Lice Unlocked

Scientists who sequenced the genome of human body lice say their research will help improve understanding about the blood-sucking parasite's biology and evolution, and potentially lead to better control methods.

Ear Tubes Appear to Be Safe Before Cochlear Implantation

Using ear tubes to treat infections is safe for children who later receive cochlear implants, a new study finds.

Skin Appendage Tumors Seem on the Rise in U.S.

Tumors of skin appendages, such as sweat glands, mammary glands, hair and nails, appear to be increasing in the United States, says a new study.

Breast Milk Reduces Infections in Babies

Breast-feeding seems to provide an immune system boost to infants, helping to prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in babies, according to new research.

'Junk Food' Sugar May Help Some Fat Cells Proliferate

New research suggests that the ubiquitous sugar known as fructose may cause certain fat cells in children to multiply faster, which might play a key role in childhood and adult obesity.

More Than Half of Pediatricians Make Diagnostic Errors: Survey

You're not the only one who can't always tell if your child has a viral illness or a bacterial infection that calls for antibiotics: Pediatricians say this is the most common diagnostic error they make, a new study shows.

Delivery Method May Determine the Bacteria Babies Acquire

Babies who are born vaginally pick up different bacteria than those who are delivered by cesarean section, potentially affecting how their immune systems develop, a new study suggests.

MP3 Players Might Harm Hearing

People using MP3 players are leaving themselves open to temporary changes in hearing, which over time might result in permanent hearing loss, Belgian researchers suggest.

Health Highlights: June 21, 2010

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

Newly Approved HIV Test Can Spot Infection Earlier

Abbott's Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Clinical Trials Update: June 21, 2010

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

Many Docs Don't Mind Taking Gifts From Industry: Study

Although the landscape is changing, many doctors do not have a problem with taking gifts or participating in corporate marketing, a new study shows.

Plastics Chemical BPA Tied to Ovarian Cysts

There may be more troubling news about the ubiquitous plastics chemical bisphenol A (BPA): Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have higher levels of the chemical in their bloodstream, a study finds.