Health News

Health News for 02/14/11

February 14, 2011

Playing Hard to Get May Get the Girl, Study Finds

With Valentine's Day here, men who are looking to make a love connection on Internet dating sites should initially keep women guessing about just how interested they are, a new study suggests.

Health Tip: Stay Safe Biking With Baby

Though a family bike ride with baby in tow can be a fun way to get exercise, it can also be dangerous.

Health Tip: Learn the Benefits of a Bone-Density Test

A bone-density test can help your doctor determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of the disease. The test measures the amount of bone in your spine, hip and other parts of your skeleton.

Number of Mountain Bike Injuries Dropping

The number of mountain bike-related injuries in the United States has fallen 56 percent since the mid-1990s, from more than 23,000 in 1995 to just over 10,000 in 2007, a new study shows.

New Guidelines OK Pradaxa Blood Thinner as Option for Irregular Heartbeat

For patients with the heart rhythm disorder atrial fibrillation, a new anti-clotting drug called Pradaxa (dabigatran) can be used as an alternative to warfarin, according to updated guidelines released Monday.

Weight Guidelines May Be High for Severely Obese Moms-to-Be

Current U.S. guidelines may overestimate the amount of weight that severely obese women need to gain during pregnancy, according to a new study.

Energy Drinks May Hurt Kids: Study

Energy drinks such as Red Bull, AMP and Rockstar have no health value and may even harm some children and teens, a new review finds.

Obesity, Bum Knees Robbing Seniors of Good Years: Study

Obesity and osteoarthritis of the knee are robbing millions of older Americans of an average of 3.5 years of life in which they might otherwise be feeling healthy and free of chronic pain, new research finds.

Too Few Heart Patients Go to Cardiac Rehab

Heart disease patients are far more likely to undergo cardiac rehabilitation if they are given an automatic referral after discussing the matter with their doctor, a new study finds.

Smoking May Up Risk of ALS

Smoking may increase the risk of the fatal muscle-wasting disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers warn.

Obesity Seems to Cut Women's Risk of Open-Angle Glaucoma

Obesity may be associated with reduced risk of the eye disease open-angle glaucoma in women, but not in men, a new study suggests.

Nonmilitary More Likely to Return to War Zone After Psych Condition

Among those who served in U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq and who were evacuated due to a psychiatric condition, nonmilitary members were more likely than military personnel to return to duty, new research shows.

Berries May Offer Sweet Protection Against Parkinson's Disease

People who eat foods rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, especially berries, may be protecting themselves from developing Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests.

FDA Approves First 3D Mammogram Device

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved on Friday the first X-ray mammography device that provides three-dimensional images of the breast for cancer screening and diagnosis.

Report Blames Speedy FDA Clearance for Medical Device Recalls

Most medical devices recently recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for posing life-threatening or serious safety risks were initially approved for use by that same agency through an expedited approval process, new research reveals.

Obesity Alone Raises Risk of Fatal Heart Attack, Study Finds

Obese men face a dramatically higher risk of dying from a heart attack, regardless of whether or not they have other known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, a new study reveals.

Health Highlights: Feb. 14, 2011

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

Pedal Your Way to Better Health, at Work

A mini exercise bike that can be used while working at a desk could help improve the health of office workers and others with sedentary jobs, according to a new study.

Study Suggests Hearing Loss-Dementia Link

Adults who experience hearing loss may face a higher risk of dementia and perhaps Alzheimer's disease than those who don't suffer hearing loss, new research suggests.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 14, 2011

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

Hand Movements May Give Clues to ADHD Severity

Measuring hand-movement control in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may reveal insights into the brain-based differences of those with the condition, according to two new studies.

Diet High in Fiber Might Lengthen Your Life

Eating a diet rich in fiber may reduce your risk of dying from heart disease, respiratory disease or any other cause by 22 percent, researchers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute report.