Health News

Health News for 08/25/10

August 25, 2010

Antibiotics Now Recommended Before C-Sections

Pregnant women about to undergo a cesarean delivery should be given antibiotics right before the procedure to help prevent infections, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends.

Health Tip: Recognizing COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that includes lung diseases such as persistent bronchitis or emphysema.

Health Tip: Did You Eat Bad Food?

When bacteria, viruses or parasites contaminate your food, you can have symptoms that range from a sour stomach to dangerous bouts of vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration.

Chronic Drinking Linked to Circadian Disruptions

Chronic drinking can disrupt production of the genes that control the body's daily biological (circadian) rhythms, leading to problems such as sleep disruption and mood changes, new research reports.

Health Care Gap May Raise Rates of Colorectal Cancer Death in Blacks

Unequal health care may explain why black colorectal cancer patients have a much higher death rate than white patients, a new U.S. study suggests.

Migraine With Aura Linked to Small Rise in Heart, Stroke Risks

People who suffer migraines with aura are at increased risk of dying from heart disease and stroke, but the individual risk for a migraine sufferer is low, two new studies show.

Stress Seems to Play Role in Premenstrual Symptom Severity

Feeling stressed early in the menstrual cycle may worsen women's premenstrual symptoms, but teaching women how to reduce their stress levels may help, a new study suggests.

In Some Patients, Hypertension Meds Raise Blood Pressure

Popular prescription medications taken to control hypertension may actually boost blood pressure in a "statistically significant" percentage of patients, researchers report.

Study Suggests Statins Could Help Some With Normal Cholesterol

Cholesterol-lowering statins could go a long way toward protecting against heart disease among patients who are deemed to have an "intermediate risk" for cardiovascular trouble, a new study suggests.

Short-Term Overeating Could Make Long-Term Weight Loss Tougher

If you think a few weeks of slothful behavior and caloric overindulgence can be easily worked off at the gym, think again.

Are The Eggs in Your Fridge Safe to Eat?

If you're like millions of Americans, the recent news of a massive egg recall due to salmonella contamination has probably made you refrain from ordering "sunny side up" the past couple of weeks.

U.S. Child Abuse Cases Falling, Despite Recession

Child abuse rates in the United States declined between 2007 and 2008 despite the onset of the economic recession, a new study has found.

Biosynthetic Corneas Show Promise in Transplants

Swedish scientists report that they've successfully implanted "biosynthetic" corneas in 10 patients, potentially paving the way for more accessible treatment for those with cornea-related vision problems.

Obama to Appeal Stem Cell Ruling

U.S. scientists reacted with dismay to Monday's decision by a U.S. judge to halt any expansion of stem cell research using federal funds.

Health Highlights: Aug. 25, 2010

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

Study Links Gene to Serious Eye Disease

Researchers have identified a gene linked to an inheritable eye disease that affects 5 percent of U.S. residents over 40 and is the most common cause for transplants of the cornea.

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 25, 2010

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

In Early Trial, Targeted Therapy Fights Advanced Melanoma

By probing deeper into the biological mechanisms that go awry in melanoma, scientists have come up with an experimental drug that has had an effect in a surprising number of patients with advanced melanoma.

Link Between Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease Strengthened

Two of the most common and dreaded illnesses in America may share a connection, with new research suggesting that having insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes raises your risk of developing the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Even Before Recession, 14 Million Kids 'Underinsured': Study

Even prior to the onset of the economic recession in 2008, nearly one in four American parents with health insurance reported that their coverage was so inadequate they were unable to access the medical care their children needed.