Health News

Health News for 01/06/11

January 06, 2011

Health Tip: Figure Out Why You Yawn Excessively

Everyone yawns.

Health Tip: Healing Heel Pain

Heel pain is usually caused by activities that continually pound the heel. Such injuries include Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.

Guidelines Issued for Drug-Resistant Staph Infections

An infectious disease association has released the first national guidelines for the treatment of potentially deadly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)infections.

Infant Organ Donors Could Help Meet Transplant Needs: Study

The organs of about 8 percent of infants who suffer cardiac death in newborn intensive care units (NICUs) would be eligible for donation and could help save the lives of other infants and young children, according to a new study.

Earlier Diagnosis Might Cut Cost of Teen Pelvic Disease

The cost of treating teenage girls with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the hospital is 12 times higher than in an outpatient clinic and six times higher than in an emergency department, a new study has found.

Study Links Obesity to Greater Pain, Weakness in Fibromyalgia Patients

Obese fibromyalgia patients suffer more severe symptoms such as pain, reduced flexibility and sleep disturbances than those of normal weight, a new study indicates.

Circumcision Helps Cut HPV Transmission Rate, Study Finds

Among HIV-negative sexual partners, male circumcision helps prevent the transmission of human papillomavirus from men to women, according to a new study.

Mentally Ill in Nursing Homes Often Lack Advance Care Plans

Nursing home residents with serious mental illnesses are less likely to have advance care directives than those with no mental illness, researchers have found.

Giving IV Fluids on Scene Might Raise Death Risk for Trauma Victims

The longstanding practice of first giving severely wounded trauma patients intravenous (IV) fluids before bringing them to a trauma center may actually raise their risk of death, a new study suggests.

Doctor Behind Study Linking Vaccine to Autism Accused of 'Deliberate Fraud'

An in-depth investigation just published in a prominent medical journal alleges that a decade-long effort to link childhood vaccinations with autism was really an elaborate hoax perpetuated by a British doctor who has since been banned from practicing medicine in that country.

'Gut Instinct' May Stem From the Heart

Everyone feels gut instincts at one time or another: Marry that guy! Don't take that job. Stay inside during this snowstorm! Now, a new study suggests there is indeed a link between your heartbeat and the decisions you make.

Health Highlights: Jan. 6, 2011

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

Rabid Stray Dog Spurs Shots for Shelter Workers: Report

A newly published case history highlights the importance of rabies vaccinations for pets and animal shelter workers.

No Surgery for Moderate Tonsillitis, New Guidelines Say

Doctors should use antibiotics and a wait-and-see approach when treating repeated throat infections in children and resort to a tonsillectomy only in the most severe cases, new medical guidelines suggest.

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 6, 2011

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

Women's Tears Tell Men to Back Off

Crying may be nature's way of telling men to give women some space: A new study indicates the smell of women's tears considerably dampens men's sexual desire.

Early Steps Toward an Alzheimer's Blood Test

A blood test that screens for antibodies, a protein produced by the immune system, may one day be used to detect Alzheimer's and other diseases, new research suggests.

Bike-Riding Ability May Distinguish 'Atypical' Parkinson's

The ability to ride a bicycle can determine whether a patient has atypical or "regular" Parkinson's disease, according to researchers in the Netherlands.