Health News

Health News for 11/24/10

November 24, 2010

For Many, Stigma of Mental Illness Lingers

Persistent efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness haven't succeeded as well as hoped, suggesting that new strategies might be necessary.

Tai Chi May Provide Arthritis Relief

Arthritis patients may gain physical and emotional relief from the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi, finds a new study, the largest of its kind.

Keep Stress Off the Holiday Meal Menu, Expert Advises

If you are one of the many people who have high expectations for your holiday gatherings, a few simple steps can help reduce your stress on Thanksgiving.

Holiday Drinking Can Kill, Experts Warn

Excessive alcohol consumption -- a common problem during the holiday season -- can lead to serious injury and death, warns the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

Scientists May Have Solved an HIV Mystery

Scientists believe they've discovered how HIV triggers the death of the immune system's defensive CD4 T cells, which in turn leads to AIDS.

Health Tip: Help Avoid Dry Skin

Skin changes are common as you age, including skin that's dry and itchy.

Health Tip: Keep Baby Safe While in a Playpen

A playpen can keep baby confined, allowing parents to get things done around the home.

Statins OK for Patients With Abnormal Liver Function: Study

Long-term use of cholesterol-lowering statins does not increase the risk of liver disease in patients with abnormal liver function, and can actually improve liver function, according to a new study that challenges widespread belief.

Retirement May Do a Mind Good

Researchers may have spotted another benefit from retirement: reductions in tiredness and depression.

Simple Travel Tips Can Help Keep Pets Safe

As Americans get ready to travel to holiday gatherings with family and friends this week, those who will be taking their pets with them are reminded that there are some things you need to remember to protect their health and safety.

No Link Between Heartburn Drugs and Birth Defects: Study

Babies born to women who took a popular class of heartburn drugs while they were pregnant did not appear to have any heightened risk of birth defects, a large Danish study finds.

Preparation Can Help Kids With Nut Allergies Travel Safely

Parents of children with nut allergies need to take special precautions if they're traveling during the holiday season, an expert warns.

Despite Efforts, Study Finds No Decline in Medical Errors

Despite intensive efforts to improve patient safety, a six-year study at 10 North Carolina hospitals showed no decline in so-called patient "harms," which included medical errors and unavoidable mistakes.

More Protein, Fewer Refined Carbs May Keep Weight Off

If you've worked hard to shed those extra pounds and want to keep the weight off, a new Danish study suggests that you consider eating more protein and fewer refined carbohydrates.

Women Taking Certain Epilepsy Drugs Can Safely Breast-Feed, Study Suggests

There's encouraging news for women with epilepsy who want to nurse their babies. Children whose mothers took certain anti-seizure medications while breast-feeding don't appear to suffer any negative cognitive effects by age 3, a new study finds.

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 24, 2010

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

Axiron Approved as First Underarm Testosterone Drug

Axiron has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first topical testosterone solution to be applied to the underarm, makers Eli Lilly and Acrux said in a news release.

Black Smokers May Face Higher Death Risk Than Whites: CDC

A study conducted in Missouri suggests that smoking may be even more lethal for blacks than it is for whites.

Study Finds Big Strides Made in Treating Leukemia, Lymphoma in Past Decade

Clinicians have made remarkable advances in treating blood cancers with bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants in recent years, significantly reducing the risk of treatment-related complications and death, a new study shows.

Too Many Cancers Still Spotted Too Late: CDC

Although screening tests are widely available, many cancers aren't diagnosed until the disease is well-advanced and, therefore, less treatable, a new U.S. government report finds.