Health News

Health News for 08/16/10

August 16, 2010

Health Tip: Drive Slowly on Wet Roads

Driving on wet, slick roads can be an accident waiting to happen.

Health Tip: Wear a Backpack Properly

A heavy backpack can lead to pain and injury when a child doesn't wear it properly.

Red Meat May Boost Women's Heart Disease Risk

Women who eat a lot of red meat may be increasing their risk of developing heart disease, Harvard researchers report.

Home Care After Hip Surgery May Aid Survival, Study Says

Providing home care to elderly people after they've had hip surgery improves their chances of survival, finds a new study.

Hostile, Competitive Types May Be Harming Their Hearts

Hostile people, especially those who are manipulative and aggressive, may be paying a price in terms of heart health, a new study finds.

Web Connection Raises Chances of Romance

Folks with Internet connections are more likely to be in a romantic relationship than folks without access to the Web, a new study shows.

Some Minority Groups Hit Hard by Childhood Obesity

While some research suggests that the incidence of childhood obesity may be leveling off, a new study finds that for certain racial groups the rates may actually be getting higher.

Fido's Family Status May Depend on Where You Live

A pet's status in a family may be influenced by where the owners live, new research suggests.

Inhaling Ultra-Fine Particles May Raise Firefighters' Heart Risks

Firefighters may face a heightened risk for heart disease as a result of breathing in extremely fine particles that infiltrate the smallest air passages and lodge in their lungs, new research indicates.

Students Warned to Beware of 'Laptop-itis'

The very design of laptop computers encourages bad posture among college students and other heavy users, which can lead to headaches, muscle strain and debilitating neck, shoulder and hand injuries, researchers caution.

Being an Only Child Won't Harm Social Skills: Study

Boys and girls who grow up without siblings are no less capable of developing good social skills than those raised with brothers and sisters, new research indicates.

Redheads at Higher Risk for Common Skin Cancer's Return

People with red hair are at higher risk for a recurrence of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, researchers report.

Infidelity Rises When She Makes More Than He Does

A new study finds that men are more likely to cheat if their income is much lower than what their wife or female partner makes, while women are more likely to fool around if they make more than their husband or male partner.

Health Highlights: Aug. 16, 2010

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

Ella Emergency Contraceptive Approved

The ella emergency contraceptive has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It's been available in Europe for more than a year under the brand name ellaOne.

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 16, 2010

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

Gulf Oil Spill Still a Health Threat to Many, Researchers Report

The massive BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico still poses a health threat to clean-up workers, fishermen and members of coastal communities, according to a group of researchers who have examined the area.

Weight-Loss Surgery May Cut Type 2 Diabetes Medication Use

Bariatric weight-loss surgery in obese people with type 2 diabetes can have an unexpected, yet positive side effect -- nearly 3 out of 4 patients in one study were able to stop taking their insulin and other diabetes medications within six months of surgery.

Small Amounts of Dark Chocolate May Guard Against Heart Failure

Eating a small amount of high-quality dark chocolate one to three times a month may help stave off heart failure in women, a new Harvard study suggests.