Health News

Health News for 09/22/10

September 22, 2010

Health Tip: Take Care of Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids occur when rectal veins become swollen, itchy, painful and tender, often from straining to move the bowels.

Health Tip: Help Prevent the Spread of Strep Throat

Strep throat is a painful bacterial infection that's highly contagious.

Injections May Relieve Drooling in Nerve-Damaged Kids

Botulinum toxin injections may temporarily relieve drooling in children with certain neurological conditions, a new European study has found.

Diaries May Reduce Post-Traumatic Stress in ICU Patients

A diary can help reduce intensive care patients' risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a difficult stay in the hospital, according to a new study.

Dancing in Heels Puts Toes Under Extreme Pressure: Study

Wearing high heels while dancing may add an air of gracefulness to a woman's moves, but heels also place a great deal of extra pressure on a dancer's toes, scientists say.

Timely News Reports Can Help Slow Pandemics: Analysis

Extensive media coverage helps reduce the spread of pandemics, the results of a new study suggest.

Staying on Gleevec Seems to Help Gastro Cancer Patients

Continuous treatment with imatinib (Gleevec) is recommended for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer, a new study suggests.

Natural Pet Foods May Not Always Be Best Choice

Pet owners need to be aware that natural foods aren't always the best choice for their pets, says a Kansas State University veterinarian.

Atypical Antipsychotics Linked to Blood Clot Risk in Study

People taking newer types of antipsychotic drugs, like Seroquel, may be at increased risk for developing a serious blood clot called a venous thromboembolism, British researchers say.

Surgery May Be Best for Irregular Heartbeat in Young

Young people with the kind of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation may be better off undergoing surgery to fix the problem instead of taking medication first, a new study suggests.

Blood Thinner OK for Superficial Leg Clots: Study

A blood-thinning drug could help some patients with superficial-vein thrombosis avoid more serious blood clots, a new study suggests. But experts question whether the benefit is worth the drug's high price.

Consumer Activists Want Modified Salmon to Be Labeled

Opponents of genetically modified salmon, as well as consumer activists and environmentalists, told a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel Tuesday that it would be irresponsible not to require labels on the fish if it is approved for humans to eat.

European Researchers Find Genes Tied to Asthma

European scientists have identified genes that predispose children and adults to asthma.

FDA Approves 1st Oral Drug to Reduce MS Relapses

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the first oral drug to reduce relapses of multiple sclerosis, the nervous system disorder that has traditionally been treated with injectable drugs.

Health Highlights: Sept. 22, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Sept. 22, 2010

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

Gilenya Approved for Relapsing MS

Gilenya (fingolimod) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reduce relapses and delay disability progression in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.

New Procedure for Aortic Valve Replacement Looks Promising

For patients who are too sick to withstand surgery to treat a narrowed aortic valve, a new and less invasive heart procedure might keep them alive, researchers say.

Mammograms Cut Breast Cancer Death Rates, But Only Modestly: Study

Routine mammograms account for only about one-third of the decline in breast cancer death rates, according to a large new analysis of data from Norway's expansive breast cancer screening program.

Novel Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Shows Early Promise

A new targeted medication for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may benefit patients with this chronic autoimmune disease who aren't adequately helped by standard RA drug therapy, researchers say.