Health News

Health News for 10/11/10

October 11, 2010

Halloween Chocolate a Serious Threat to Pets

Chocolate Halloween candy may be a treat for children but poses a serious threat to pets, warns an expert.

Study Sees Link Between Epilepsy, Infertility

Women with epilepsy may be at increased risk of infertility, a study of women from India suggests.

Health Tip: Is Earwax a Problem?

Earwax protects the ear from dirt and other foreign particles. It may not cause any medical issues and doesn't always have to be removed.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Fires at Home

A little extra attention and some preparation can help reduce the risk of a fire at home.

Dim Light at Night Linked to Weight Gain in Mice

Constant exposure to light at night may be linked to an increased risk for weight gain, according to a new animal study.

End-of-life Care for Heart Failure Patients Changing: Study

End-of-life care for heart failure patients is becoming more expensive, but hospice and outpatient services show potential for reducing those costs, American and Canadian researchers report.

Estrogen Therapy May Be Linked to Kidney Stones

Estrogen therapy may increase the risk of kidney stones in postmenopausal women, a new study suggests.

Danish Study Suggests Jaundice-Autism Link

Newborn babies who have jaundice may be at higher risk of developing autism later on, new research suggests, but other experts said far more research needs to be done before a cause-and-effect relationship is proven.

Researchers Pinpoint Array of Obesity Genes

Scientists have found genes that appear to play a role in the propensity for obesity.

Could Excess Computer, TV Time Harm Kids Psychologically?

Pre-teens who spent more than two hours a day in front of the TV or computer were at greater risk of having psychological problems than youngsters averaging less screen time, even if the kids also tended to be physically active, new research finds.

Structured Diet, Exercise Plans Seem to Shed Pounds

Two new studies support the notion that structured diet and exercise plans -- and perhaps some free prepared meals -- can help the obese and severely obese lose weight.

Cancer Patients' Secondary Symptoms Need Attention: Study

Many cancer patients with pain or depression also experience physical symptoms, such as fatigue, dry mouth and nausea, that can cause disability, a new study shows.

Retinal Disease Treatments for Elders Doubled Over 10 Years

The number of older Americans undergoing treatment for retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy nearly doubled between 1997 and 2007, with a significant shift in the types of procedures being performed, a new study has found.

Pessimistic Pooches May Be Prone to Separation Anxiety

If you want to leave your dog home alone without having to worry about chewed furniture or never-ending barking, you'd better hope your dog knows how to look at the sunny side of life.

Health Highlights: Oct. 11, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Oct. 11, 2010

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

No Heart Benefit Seen From Folic Acid Supplements

Despite reducing levels of a protein associated with heart disease, supplements containing the B vitamin folic acid don't reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, death or cancer, according to a new large-scale analysis of studies on the issue.

Insulin Resistance Might Raise Risk of Stroke

People with insulin resistance may be at higher risk for stroke even if they don't have full-blown diabetes, a new study indicates.

First Patient Treated in U.S.-Approved Embryonic Stem Cell Trial

The first patient to be treated in a U.S.-government-approved study involving human embryonic stem cells has been injected with millions of the potentially life saving cells.