Health News

Health News for 07/12/10

July 12, 2010

Coping Therapies Unlikely to Ease Kids' Stem Cell Treatment: Study

For children undergoing stem cell transplantation, complementary therapies such as massage and humor therapy don't seem to reduce their distress, researchers found.

Health Tip: Eating a Well-Balanced Vegetarian Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet is important for everyone, and vegetarians are no exception. Some nutrients may be more difficult to come by without meat in the diet, requiring some advanced planning.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Burnout

Managing all of your responsibilities at home and work can make it difficult to find some personal time.

Screening Guidelines Miss Many Kids With High Cholesterol

Although elevated cholesterol levels are generally considered an adult problem, a new study suggests that current screening guidelines for cholesterol in children miss many kids who already have higher cholesterol levels than they should.

Survey Links Puberty to Violent Behavior

A large study by U.S. and Australian researchers suggests that puberty can be associated with a substantial increase in violent and socially aggressive behavior.

New Guidelines Urge Use of MRI Over CT Scan in Stroke Patients

Diffusion MRI scans are better at diagnosing ischemic stroke than CT scans, according to a new guideline released by the American Academy of Neurology.

History of Pregnancy-Linked Diabetes Helps Predict Its Return

Women who had gestational diabetes in their first and second pregnancies are at greatly increased risk for the condition in future pregnancies, a new study finds.

'Expecting the Unexpected' Doesn't Always Work, Study Suggests

People who actually expect an unexpected event aren't more likely to spot these events than people who aren't anticipating anything, a new study suggests.

Eye Chart Exams for Teens May Miss Vision Problems

Eye chart tests reliably detect nearsightedness in adolescents but not farsightedness or astigmatism, according to a new study.

Exercise, Vitamin D Seem to Cut Alzheimer's Risk: Researchers

Physical activity and adequate levels of vitamin D appear to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, according to two large, long-term studies scheduled to be presented Sunday at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease in Hawaii.

Weight-Loss Drugs Often No Better Than Fakes: German Study

A large number of weight-loss supplements don't appear to work any better than placebos (or fake supplements) at helping people shed pounds, a new study has found.

Could Having a Bigger Head Help Slow Alzheimer's?

A new study suggests that Alzheimer's disease develops slower in people with bigger heads, perhaps because their larger brains have more cognitive power in reserve.

Health Highlights: July 12, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: July 12, 2010

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

Lifestyle Interventions Needed to Stay Heart-Healthy

There's no lack of scientific evidence proving that staying in shape and eating right are critical to a long and healthy life, but the fact that over 8 million Americans have histories of heart attack, stroke or heart failure suggests that too few are taking the message seriously.

Fewer Excess Pounds May Mean Fewer Hot Flashes

Weight loss might help middle-aged women who are overweight or obese reduce bothersome hot flashes accompanying menopause, according to a new study.

Salsa, Guacamole Rising Source of Foodborne Illness: CDC

Salsa and guacamole are becoming increasingly significant causes of foodborne disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vitamins D, E Might Help Maintain Brain Health

Three new studies suggest that vitamins D and E might help keep our minds sharper, aid in warding off dementia, and even offer some protection against Parkinson's disease, although much more research is needed to confirm the findings.

Heart Attack Care Is Getting Better, Report Finds

Patients who have a heart attack and undergo procedures to open blocked arteries are getting proven treatments in U.S. hospitals faster and more safely than ever before, according to the results of a large-scale study.

Sleep Apnea Could Raise Heart Risks for Older Men

The snoring and breathing disturbances of sleep apnea may be more than just a nuisance, with a new study linking the condition to higher risks for heart failure and heart disease in middle-aged and older men.