Health News

Health News for 11/11/10

November 11, 2010

Health Tip: Bracing May Help Osteoarthritis Pain

Wearing a brace can help people with osteoarthritis better manage their pain, the Arthritis Foundation says.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Thyroid Disease

The thyroid is a small gland at the base of the neck that helps regulate your body's metabolism.

Medicare Part D Changes Not Overwhelming, Experts Say

Seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will come across some changes as they choose a new plan or reassess an old one during the upcoming open enrollment period, but experts say those differences won't be monstrous.

'Fake Marijuana' Users Showing Up in Emergency Rooms

A form of synthetic marijuana known as "K2" is sending young people to the hospital with racing heart beats, extreme anxiety and hallucinations, toxicologists warn.

Study Finds Vitamins E and C Don't Reduce Cataract Risk in Men

Long-term use of vitamin E and C supplements doesn't reduce the risk of age-related cataracts in men, a new study finds.

Are You at Risk of Developing Diabetes?

Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States, and Americans need to know the risk factors and what they can do to prevent and treat the disease, says the American College of Physicians.

Urine Markers May Reveal Kidney Damage Earlier

Researchers have pinpointed certain markers in urine that may indicate acute kidney injury (AKI), a finding they believe could lead to a simple urine test to diagnose AKI early and prevent kidney failure.

Math Skills Boost Couples' Financial Worth: Study

Middle-aged couples with good "numeracy" skills are wealthier than those who aren't as good with numbers, researchers report.

Women Veterans Less Likely Than Male Peers to Abuse Drugs, Alcohol

U.S. female veterans are much less likely than their male counterparts to binge-drink, smoke cigarettes or use illicit drugs, a new study finds.

Many Kids Skipping Meals, Snacking Instead

Many U.S. children are eating more snacks and skipping breakfast and dinner, meals that provide nutrients critical to youngsters' development, behavior and overall health, a new survey has found.

High Cholesterol in Middle Age May Not Raise Dementia Risk for Women

For years, doctors have been saying that keeping your cholesterol levels in check as you age is good for your brain as well as your heart, but a new study suggests the connection between cholesterol and dementia later in life isn't quite so clear-cut.

Family Members Caring for Veterans Sacrifice Their Own Health, Jobs

Many family caregivers of U.S. veterans sacrifice their own health and jobs to care for their loved ones and experience high levels of stress.

Painkillers in Pregnancy May Harm Son's Fertility, Study Suggests

Pregnant women who use mild painkillers may boost the risk that their male children will grow up to be infertile, a new European study suggests.

Happiness Is a Focused Mind

If you want to be happy, try to stay focused.

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 11, 2010

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

Egrifta Approved for HIV-Related Fat Deposits

Egrifta (tesamorelin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat fat deposits caused by HIV-related lipodystrophy. The condition may cause fat deposits around the liver, stomach, and other abdominal organs.

Severe Acne May Up Suicide Risk: Study

Severe acne may significantly increase suicide risk, and patients taking isotretinoin (Accutane) for the skin condition should be monitored for at least a year after treatment ends, Swedish researchers report.