Health News

Health News for 07/30/10

July 30, 2010

Health Tip: Signs You May Have Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, most often characterized by loud snoring, occurs when breathing pauses briefly or becomes shallow during sleep. This often results in poor sleep and can make a person very tired during the day.

Health Tip: Does Your Child Have a Behavior Disorder?

Though bad behavior may be a typical phase of childhood, certain signs can indicate something more serious.

Many Horse Lovers Saddle Up Unsafely

A recent survey highlights the need for a horse rider safety, according to a University of Kentucky expert.

Why Cancer Screening Campaigns Can Backfire

Health campaigns that highlight the problem of low screening rates for prostate cancer to promote such screenings seem to have an unintended effect: They discourage men from undergoing a prostate exam, a new German study suggests.

Doing Prescribed Exercises May Help Relieve Arthritis Pain

Patients with knee or hip osteoarthritis fare better if they continue to do their physical therapy exercises after completing a supervised exercise therapy at a medical facility, new research indicates.

Mom's Weight Before Pregnancy May Affect Weight of Child

The risk for childhood obesity may begin even before a child is born, say researchers who found that women who are overweight or obese before becoming pregnant are more likely to have overweight or obese toddlers and preschoolers.

Genetic Tests Marketed to Consumers Can Be Dangerously Misleading

The increasing availability of direct-to-consumer genetic screening tests in the United States increases the risk that consumers will order inappropriate tests or misinterpret the results, warns the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Many Leaders Actually Want to Help Others: Study

Many people who aspire to leadership actually want to help others, according to a new study that challenges the widespread belief that most leaders are selfish and egoistic.

Clean Water May Still Pose Health Risk for Swimmers

Swimmers who dip into the pollution-free waters of sub-tropical beaches, such as those in southern Florida, face an elevated risk for developing gastrointestinal and/or respiratory illnesses, a new study indicates.

Experts Support FDA Panel's Backing of New Blood Thinner

Following a federal health panel's endorsement of the new blood thinner Brilinta Wednesday, cardiologists say the drug could be a welcome addition to treatments for heart patients.

When Others Drink, Your Genes May Lead You to Join Them

Genetics may determine to what extent you're swayed by the alcohol consumption of people around you, new research suggests.

More Women to Get Health Insurance Under Affordable Care Act

The new Affordable Care Act is likely to help 30 million women obtain better health insurance or coverage if they don't already have any, a new report shows.

Calcium Supplements Linked to Boost in Heart Attack Risk

Although millions of people take calcium supplements to boost bone health and ward off osteoporosis, New Zealand researchers say the supplements have little effect on bone strength and contribute to a small increase in the risk for heart attack among older people.

Experimental Diet Pill May Bring 'Modest' Weight Loss

Contrave, an experimental weight loss drug that combines an antidepressant with an anti-addiction medication, appears to help users shed pounds when taken along with a healthy diet and exercise, researchers report.

Research Illuminates How the Human Neck Developed

Because of the freedom of movement it offered, the neck may have been a major contributor to the evolution of the human brain, according to researchers who compared human and fish genetics.

Sciatica Relief May Depend on Type of Steroid Delivery

Two more cases of dengue fever were reported by health officials in Florida this week, bringing the total to 46 confirmed cases since last September, but a top government health official said it's too early to say whether the mosquito-borne tropical disease is gaining a foothold in the United States.

Health Highlights: July 30, 2010

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

Too Soon to Tell Whether Dengue Fever Will Spread in U.S.

Two more cases of dengue fever were reported by health officials in Florida this week, bringing the total to 46 confirmed cases since last September, but a top government health official said it's too early to say whether the mosquito-borne tropical disease is gaining a foothold in the United States.

Clinical Trials Update: July 30, 2010

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

H1N1 Protection in Coming Season's Flu Vaccines: FDA

The flu vaccines approved for the 2010-11 season protect against three strains of influenza, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic swine flu strain, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday.

Flu Vaccine for Upcoming Season Approved

The annual flu vaccine for the 2010-2011 influenza season has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the agency said Friday.