Health News

Health News for 11/12/10

November 12, 2010

Health Tip: Prevent the Spread of Rotavirus in Children

Rotavirus is a common infection among young children, especially those in the close confines of hospitals or child care centers.

Health Tip: Omega 3s Are Essential Fatty Acids

Though the body needs omega 3 fatty acids, it doesn't make them. So you must get them from foods including fish, some plants or nut oils, the University of Maryland Medical Center says.

Low Vitamin D Linked to Deterioration in Certain Leukemia Patients

Patients with a certain type of leukemia who had insufficient vitamin D levels when their cancer was diagnosed saw their disease progress much faster and were two times more likely to die than those with adequate vitamin D levels, a new study finds.

Social Class May Affect Outcome of Depression Treatment

Depression treatments appear to be less effective in helping poor and working class patients function at work, a new study finds.

Gene Variation Linked to Altruism

A minor gene variation may be associated with altruism, an unselfish concern for the welfare of others, a new study has found.

Awareness of COPD Growing, But More Lung Testing Urged

A growing number of Americans know about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), but too many remain unaware of the deadly lung disease, a new survey has found.

Sleep Apnea May Shrink Brain's Gray Matter: Study

Obstructive sleep apnea may cause structural defects in the brain's gray matter, resulting in problems with cognitive functions such as attention and memory, a new study suggests.

Setting National Hospital Standards Could Boost Cardiac Care

Around the nation, hospitals refer to themselves as "stroke centers of excellence" or "chest pain centers," the implication being those facilities offer top-notch care for stroke and heart attacks.

'Stop Smoking' Ads That Target Emotions Seem to Work Best

Television ads that encourage people to quit smoking are most effective when they use a "why to quit" strategy that includes either graphic images or personal testimonials, a new study suggests.

Some Foot Troubles Hit Blacks, Whites More Often

Black Americans are more likely than whites to have common foot disorders such as flat feet and corns, new research shows.

Early Intro to Math Seems to Improve Kids' Skills Later

Talking to young children about numbers can boost their success in math once they're in school, researchers say.

Sight of Meat Puts People at Ease, Study Suggests

That feeling of goodwill when family and friends gather for the Thanksgiving meal may be due to the fact that the sight of meat on the table calms people, a new study suggests.

Age Could Affect How Well Cancer Patients Cope

Even though they have a better chance of survival, younger adult cancer patients have more difficulty coping with the pain and emotional and financial issues of cancer than older patients, researchers say.

Diabetes Research Made Significant Strides in Past Year

Even as the threat of diabetes continues to grow, scientists have made significant discoveries in the past year that might one day lead to ways to stop the blood sugar disease in its tracks.

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.

Health Highlights: Nov. 12, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 12, 2010

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