Health News

Health News for 09/13/10

September 13, 2010

Lifespan of Muscular Dystrophy Patients Differs by Race: Study

White Americans with muscular dystrophy live longer than blacks with the disease, but the reason why remains unclear, says a new study.

Health Tip: Considering the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine?

The seasonal flu vaccine can be administered via a shot or a less invasive nasal spray.

Health Tip: Help Kids Do Their Homework

Homework teaches kids valuable lessons in independent thinking, responsibility, and pride in accomplishment.

Operating Soon After Hip Fractures May Save Lives

Elderly patients who have surgery soon after suffering a hip fracture reduce their risk of dying by 19 percent, a new analysis shows.

More Evidence That Vaccines Don't Cause Autism

Infants exposed to the highest levels of thimerosal, a mercury-laden preservative that used to be found in many vaccines, were no more likely to develop autism than infants exposed to only a little thimerosal, new research finds.

Doctor 'Report Cards' Not Last Word on Physician Performance

Public information about U.S. doctors' education, certification and malpractice claims may not be enough to help patients determine whether a physician provides high-quality care, a new study suggests.

Smokeless Tobacco Products Can Be Deadly

Smokeless tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and snuff, are not safe or effective alternatives for people who want to quit smoking, says a policy statement released Monday by the American Heart Association.

More Kids Who Play Basketball Suffering Head Injuries

Children's basketball may be getting rougher or the kids may be bigger, but either way the number of head injuries is soaring, researchers report.

Researchers Develop Touch-Sensitive 'e-Skin'

MONDAY, Sept. 13 (HealthDay News) --Sure, industrial robots can toss around 10-ton car parts with the greatest of ease. But can they do the dishes?

Two New Programs Aim to Prevent, Treat Childhood Obesity

Two major research programs that will examine ways to prevent and treat childhood obesity have been launched by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

Prostate Cancer Screening No Benefit to Older Men With Low PSA Levels

Although many men are concerned about prostate cancer, a new study finds that in men aged 55 to 74 with low levels of baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA), further screening and early detection of prostate cancer offer virtually no benefit.

Biomarkers May Aid in Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's

New research suggests that biomarkers in the blood may help diagnose Alzheimer's disease before it progresses, potentially opening the door to better treatments.

Health Highlights: Sept. 13, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Sept. 13, 2010

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

FDA Panel to Mull Ban on Diet Drug Meridia

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will ask an expert panel later this week whether or not the diet drug Meridia should be banned due to suspected heart risks.

Common Asthma Drug Could Speed MS Treatment

A common asthma drug might accelerate the benefits of treatment for multiple sclerosis when combined with standard medicine, new research suggests.

Dying at Home Often Easier on Cancer Patients, Caregivers

For people with advanced cancer, dying at home rather than the hospital results in higher quality-of-life scores at the end of life, and may be easier on the patients' caregivers as well.

Test Might Spot Women at High Risk for Pregnancy Complication

Women can be vulnerable to sudden, sometimes dangerous spikes in blood pressure during pregnancy, part of a condition called preeclampsia. And now scientists say they've developed a high-tech method to predict which women are most prone to preeclampsia in late pregnancy -- long before symptoms arise.

Hand Washing Habit Finally Catching On: U.S. Study

More Americans than ever wash their hands after using public restrooms, but men remain far less conscientious than women about this important hygienic habit, finds a new study.