Health News

Health News for 01/17/11

January 17, 2011

Health Tip: Mini-Stroke Could Warn of Full-Blown Episode

A so-called "mini-stroke," medically known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), triggers stroke-like symptoms that last for less than a day -- usually for an hour or two.

Health Tip: Do You Have Enlarged Adenoids?

The adenoids are lymphatic tissue, resembling the tonsils, found in the airway between the nose and back of the throat.

Worsening Depression Adds to Heart Failure Risks: Study

Heart failure patients whose depression worsens with time are less likely to fare well in the long-run than patients whose depressive symptoms either stabilize or dissipate, a new study indicates.

Breast Cancer Radiation Before 1984 Tied to Heart Disease

Among long-term breast cancer survivors, those who were treated with radiotherapy before 1984 appear to face much higher rates of death due to heart disease, new French-Swiss research indicates.

Poverty May Keep Kids From Full Genetic Potential

Being poor can prevent young children from reaching their full genetic potential of mental ability, a new study shows.

Friends a Big Influence on Grades in Middle School: Study

Among middle-school students, friendships can make the difference between good and poor grades, researchers have found.

Blood Type O Associated With Less Risk for Heart Attack

Researchers have simultaneously discovered a gene that seems to raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, while also noting that having the blood type O might guard against heart attack once arteries become clogged.

Cigarette Ads Do Spur Teens to Light Up, Study Finds

Tobacco advertisements really do prompt teenagers to smoke, say the authors of a new study that calls for a ban on cigarette ads.

Thorough Exams a Must for Those at High Risk of Skin Cancer

Patients at high risk for melanoma benefit from a follow-up program that can detect the deadly skin cancer at an early stage, new research finds, while a second study notes that embarrassment prevents some people from having a doctor examine their skin for suspicious lesions.

Video Game 'Addiction' Tied to Depression, Anxiety in Kids

Video game addiction among children and teens may lead to the development of psychological disorders such as depression, researchers say.

Some Severe MS Flares Helped by Blood Filtering Treatment

A blood-filtering procedure called plasma exchange helps ease severe flares of multiple sclerosis (MS), but does not help with more advanced, progressive forms of the disease, new guidelines say.

New Osteoporosis Screening Recommendations Issued

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has just expanded its osteoporosis screening recommendation to include younger women who have risk factors for the debilitating disease, which causes bones to become abnormally brittle and prone to fracture.

Heavy Drinking May Boost Risk for Atrial Fibrillation

People who drink a lot, and do so often, increase their chances of developing the chronic heart rate or rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, according to Japanese researchers.

Despite Claims, Many Daily Moisturizers Don't Shield Against Sun: Study

Few facial skin creams that promise "broad-spectrum" sun protection actually measure up, according to new research.

Big Breakfast May Not Lead to Fewer Daily Calories

Conventional wisdom says that eating a big breakfast might keep you full throughout the day and help prevent overeating at other meals, but a new German study debunks the idea.

Some Antibiotics, Blood Pressure Meds a Bad Mix: Study

Older people who are taking common blood pressure medications called calcium channel blockers face an increased risk of developing dangerously low blood pressure and possibly going into shock if they take certain antibiotics, Canadian researchers warn.

Rep. Giffords Continues to Improve

Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords continues her remarkable recovery after she was gravely wounded by an assassin's bullet to her brain nine days ago: On Sunday, her doctors upgraded her condition from critical to serious.

Health Highlights: Jan. 17, 2011

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

Your Genes Help You Choose Your Friends, Study Says

Your friends aren't just people you enjoy: You tend to befriend others with similar or complementary genes, a new study suggests.

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 17, 2011

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