Health News

Health News for 02/04/11

February 04, 2011

High Rates of Early Elective Delivery at Some U.S. Hospitals: Report

Five to 40 percent or more of births in the United States are induced early without any good medical reason, according to a new hospital-by-hospital report.

Health Tip: Why Diabetics Can Become Hyperglycemic

It's important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar (glucose) levels stable. That means taking all medication as prescribed, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Health Tip: What Causes Arthritis Pain?

It's no secret to any person with arthritis that pain comes with the territory.

Healthier Lifestyles May Prevent 340,000 U.S. Cancers a Year: Study

About 340,000 cancer cases in the United States could be prevented each year if more Americans ate a healthy diet, got regular exercise and limited their alcohol intake, according to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF).

Quality of Family Mealtimes May Affect Kids' Asthma

The quality of family mealtimes can affect the health of children with asthma, new research suggests.

Good Child Care May Help Make Up for Troubled Homes

High-quality child care can help reduce the risk of emotional and behavioral problems in children from difficult home environments, say researchers.

Video Suggests Mother Chimps May Grieve Death of an Infant

The death of a baby chimp caused responses in a mother chimpanzee not typically seen directed toward live infants, but it's unclear whether she was actually mourning, researchers say.

Bilingual People More Adept at Learning Third Language

Children who know two languages find it easier to learn a third one than those who know only one language, a new study finds.

Breast Cancer Treatment May Lead to Hip Fracture

Middle-aged breast cancer survivors face an increased risk for hip fractures, a condition normally uncommon in women younger than 70, a new study has found.

Rare Children's Strokes Sometimes Misdiagnosed

A new pediatric study focused on hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke suggests that children who suffer a stroke may experience treatment delays because emergency rooms and paramedics often lack the appropriate tools to diagnose them.

'Black Box' Drug Warning Labels Applied Inconsistently: Study

Safety labels that outline concerns about medications, known as "black box warnings," are not always consistent within drug categories, a new study suggests.

U.S. Sees Slowdown in Spending on Mental Health

The amount of money spent on psychiatric drugs in the United States continues to grow but at a much slower rate than in previous years, a new federal government study has found.

The More Mom Works, the Heavier Her Kids Get: Study

As if working mothers don't have enough to feel guilty about, a new study suggests that the more time they spend working, the heavier their children become.

Cancer on the Rise in Developing Countries: Report

To mark World Cancer Day, the American Cancer Society issued a new report Friday warning that changing lifestyles linked to economic growth in developing countries are driving up the global incidence of several cancers.

Cold Viruses Appear Linked to Type 1 Diabetes

While the causes of type 1 diabetes aren't known for certain, a new analysis backs the possibility that cold-like viruses might trigger the disease.

H1N1 Flu Vaccine Very Effective: Study

A single dose of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine was 93 percent effective during the 2009 pandemic, a new study found.

Hallucinogens Legally Sold as 'Bath Salts' a New Threat

An influx of highly hallucinogenic, potentially lethal but -- in most states -- fully legal drugs sold as "bath salts" has law enforcement and drug abuse experts very concerned.

Restrictive Diet May Reduce ADHD Symptoms

A special restrictive diet may significantly reduce symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in young children, a new study suggests.

Health Highlights: Feb. 4, 2011

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

Doctors Issue New Guidelines on Spotting, Treating Enlarged Prostate

Experts at the American Urological Association (AUA) have issued updated guidelines on diagnosing and treating enlarged prostate -- a common condition formally know as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 4, 2011

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

Drug Approved to Help Prevent Preterm Birth

Makena (hydroxyprogesterone caproate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help prevent birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy in women who have had at least one prior early delivery.

FDA Approves First Drug to Prevent Premature Births

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first drug to help prevent premature birth in women who have had at least one previous preterm delivery.

Obesity Has Nearly Doubled Worldwide Since 1980: Report

New research shows that obesity is on the rise worldwide -- it's doubled since 1980 -- but people in the wealthiest nations are managing to reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.