Health News

Health News for 01/20/11

January 20, 2011

Health Tip: Be Careful While Using Oxygen Therapy

While you're using at-home oxygen therapy, remember that you'll need to be very cautious around anything that has a flame or can ignite.

Health Tip: Seniors, Focus on Nutrition

It's important to eat properly at any age, particularly for seniors.

H1N1 Flu Is Raging in Britain; Could U.S. Be Next?

This winter, influenza seems to be behaving very differently depending on what side of the Atlantic you're on.

Study Finds Lack of Sleep Leads to Lost Calories

Skipping a night of sleep is equivalent of the amount of energy it would take to walk about two miles, new research suggests.

Sleep Study May Be Advisable Before Removing Tonsils, Adenoids

Conducting sleep studies of children before removing their tonsils and adenoids (adenotonsillectomy) may help identify those at increased risk for postoperative respiratory complications, a new study suggests.

Good Bond Between Therapist, Depressed Patient Aids in Recovery

A good relationship between a patient and therapist is likely to improve the patient's recovery from depression, a new study finds.

Pets May Pass Illnesses to Owners

You might want to think twice before snuggling in bed at night with Fido or Fluffy.

Fewer Cancer Patients May Be Depressed Than Thought

The rate of depression among cancer patients may be lower than previously believed, a new study indicates.

Study Questions Safety of Pneumonia Treatment Guidelines

Intensive care patients who may be infected with strains of pneumonia that are resistant to many drugs may be more likely to die if current treatment guidelines are followed, a new study suggests.

Nearly Half of Americans Still Suspect Vaccine-Autism Link

Just a slim majority of Americans -- 52 percent -- think vaccines don't cause autism, a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll found.

Young Couples Often Disagree About Monogamy, Study Finds

Many young American couples can't agree on whether they've decided to have sex only with each other, a new study shows.

Parents' Divorce May Contribute to Suicidal Thoughts Years Later

Adults who were children when their parents divorced are more likely to seriously consider suicide than adults who grew up in intact families, according to a new study.

Emotions May Sidetrack Use of Safety Devices

Emotions can get in the way of rational decisions about safety products such as airbags, vaccines and smoke detectors, researchers report.

40 States Get an 'F' in Tobacco Prevention From New Report Card

A new report card gives the U.S. government relatively high marks for advances in treating people with tobacco-related illnesses, but gives low or failing grades to most states as their anti-smoking programs falter.

Health Highlights: Jan. 20, 2011

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

Experts' Brains Work Differently Than Amateurs'

In a finding that suggests your brain changes once you become an expert at something, Japanese researchers report that years of daily practice appear to have rewired the brains of professional shogi players.

Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 20, 2011

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

Rep. Giffords Standing Up, Set to Begin Rehab Friday

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' remarkable progress, including standing up with the help of aides Wednesday, bodes well for her continued recovery at a Houston rehabilitation center, where she will be moved Friday, just 13 days after a bullet pierced her brain.

Breast Cancer Patients With Diabetes May Fare Worse

Having both breast cancer and diabetes greatly increases the chances of dying, new research shows.