Health News

Health News for 02/24/11

February 24, 2011

Health Tip: Does Acne Need a Doctor's Care?

If your acne is well controlled by gently washing with soap and water, and by using over-the-counter lotions or creams, you may not have to visit your doctor.

Health Tip: Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can make even the simplest daily activities -- such as taking a shower or getting dressed -- completely exhausting, the Womenshealth.gov Web site says.

Statins Might Help HIV Patients, Study Suggests

Preliminary research suggests that statins restrain the immune systems of HIV patients and may stave off progression of the AIDS-causing virus.

Many Dialysis Patients at Risk for High Radiation Exposure

A large number of dialysis patients are at increased risk of cancer due to high radiation doses, and doctors should think about reducing these patients' levels of radiation exposure, a new study suggests.

Type 1 Diabetes Patients Need New Kidney Therapies: Study

Despite major advances in kidney care over the last two decades, type 1 diabetes patients with kidney dysfunction still have high rates of kidney failure and heart-related death, researchers have found.

Newer Drug May Help Prevent Fracture in Men With Prostate Cancer

A new drug called denosumab (Xgeva) performed somewhat better than the current standard treatment of zoledronic acid (Zometa) for preventing fractures and other bone problems in men with hormone-resistant prostate cancer, a new study suggests.

Most 'Locked-In Syndrome' Patients Happy, Survey Finds

Most "locked-in syndrome" patients -- a condition caused by brain stem injury -- claim to be happy, according to a new study.

PSA Screening for Prostate Cancer Dips in Large U.S. Health Network

Fewer men at a large U.S. health-care network are undergoing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer since the release of guidelines in 2008 and the publication of two large studies a few years ago, say researchers.

People More Likely to Act Morally Than They Imagine

People are more likely to act morally than they would predict, a new study finds.

Coffee, Sex, Smog Can All Trigger Heart Attack, Study Finds

A major analysis of data on potential triggers for heart attacks finds that many of the substances and activities Americans indulge in every day -- coffee, alcohol, sex, even breathing -- can all help spur an attack.

PCBs Might Be Linked to Failed IVF Attempts

Although polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were banned decades ago, they are still pervasive in the United States and may contribute to failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts, a new study suggests.

Severe Heart Attack No More Deadly to Women Than Men

Gender does not appear to have any impact on the risk of dying following a severe heart attack, new research indicates.

Rapid Rise in PSA Levels a Poor Predictor of Prostate Cancer: Study

Blood tests that indicate prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are rising rapidly over time are of little use in detecting aggressive prostate cancer and should not be done, a new study indicates.

Health Highlights: Feb. 24, 2011

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

Spinal Fluid May Hold Clues to Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

An analysis of proteins in spinal fluid can help distinguish patients with Lyme disease from those with chronic fatigue syndrome, a new study reports.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 24, 2011

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

Scientists Say Newborn Mice Can Regrow Damaged Hearts

A mouse heart rapidly regenerated itself after researchers removed a portion of the organ a day after birth, scientists report.

Plague Kills U.S. Lab Worker

While experts stress that epidemics of plague will probably remain a scourge of centuries past, isolated cases still appear, even in the United States.

Herceptin May Boost Long-Term Survival After Aggressive Breast Cancer

The cancer drug Herceptin produces significantly longer disease-free survival in women with an aggressive type of early-stage breast cancer who take the drug for a year after standard chemotherapy, a new study suggests.

Medical Groups Warn Of Climate Change's Potential Impact on Health

Experts from leading U.S. medical groups gathered Thursday to warn of impending dangers to human health if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, speeding climate change.