Health News

Health News for 02/18/11

February 18, 2011

Rise in Dog Bites Has Experts Concerned

Many people consider their dogs as best friends, but hospital records suggest some pooches feel otherwise.

Health Tip: Take Control of Your Diabetes

Keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible can help prevent complications of diabetes.

Health Tip: When Sinusitis Affects Children

Sinusitis occurs when the air-filled cavities inside the skull become inflamed.

Diabetes Social Networking Web Sites Vary in Quality

The quality of social networking sites for people with diabetes varies greatly, researchers say, with some providing useful medical information and emotional support, while others may simply be thinly veiled advertising sites.

Bilingualism Seems to Boost Brain Power

Speaking more than one language may boost brain function, experts say.

Study Finds Widespread Trauma in Wake of BP Oil Spill

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico last year had a major psychological impact on people living in coastal communities, even in areas where there was no direct oil exposure, new research reveals.

Using Cell Phones Might Evoke Emotions, Study Suggests

Tapping certain sequences of numbers on your cell phone can affect your emotions, German researchers suggest.

Antipsychotic Drugs Raise Heart Risks, Experts Warn

Doctors must not forget about the physical health of people with serious mental health disorders who take antipsychotic drugs, experts warn.

Separate Bikes-Only Lanes in Cities Cut Injury Rate: Study

Cyclists using special bike-only tracks that are physically separated from street traffic have fewer accidents compared to bikers pedalling alongside motor vehicles, a new study finds.

Smoking During Head & Neck Cancer Therapy Tied to Poor Outcome

Patients with head and neck cancer who continue to smoke while undergoing radiation treatments have a much lower long-term survival rate than those who kick the addiction, researchers have found.

Leg Discomfort Might Signal Heart Trouble

A disease the affects your legs could warn you about potential heart trouble, new research suggests.

Kids as Young as 5 Can Command a Computer Mouse

Children as young as 5 can learn how to manipulate a computer mouse, according to a study that finds practice is more important than age in mastering the device.

Peer Support Beats Usual Care for Depression, Analysis Finds

A new analysis of existing research finds that peer support may do a better job of treating depression than standard care.

Corifact Approved for Genetic Bleeding Disorder

Corifact has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat congenital Factor XIII deficiency, a rare genetic disorder that could cause life-threatening bleeding.

Study Says 2 Therapies Help Fight Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Patients struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome may be helped the most when standard treatment is coupled with cognitive behavior therapy or exercise therapy, new British research suggests.

Health Highlights: Feb. 18, 2011

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

That Squeaking Sound Might Come From Your New Hip

Months after getting a ceramic hip replacement, some patients may be startled to find their artificial joint starts squeaking.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 18, 2011

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

TV Reporter's Severe Migraine Mimicked a Stroke

Many people who watched Los Angeles TV reporter Serene Branson suffer what appeared to be a stroke while covering the Grammy awards last Sunday were no doubt relieved to hear her troubles were apparently caused by a severe migraine headache.

British Study Finds No Link Between Cell Phones, Brain Tumors

Cell phones do not increase the risk of brain cancer, a new British study contends.