Health News

Health News for 03/18/11

March 18, 2011

Health Tip: Help Contain Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pinkeye, is a contagious infection affecting the membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner eyelid. The eyes of someone with conjunctivitis can appear very red and irritated.

Health Tip: Returning Home After Hip Fracture

Home life after surgery to repair a hip fracture is much different than it was before your injury. The simplest activities become more challenging, including the task of getting comfortable without pain.

Teen Girls Who Befriend Boys at Higher Risk for Substance Abuse

Girls in early adolescence who form friendships with boys are at increased risk for substance abuse problems, according to a new research.

Home Dialysis for Kidney Patients May Ease Restless Legs Syndrome

Short, daily sessions of hemodialysis at home may reduce sleep problems caused by restless legs syndrome in dialysis patients, according to new research.

Small Study Finds Hearing Loss in 1 in 4 College Students

Up to one-quarter of college students tested suffered from hearing loss, an unexpected finding that may be due to the use of personal music players such as MP3 players, according to a new study.

Sleep Disorder May Spur Men to Head to Bathroom at Night

Obstructive sleep apnea may be the underlying cause of awakening and urination in men with enlarged prostates, a new study suggests.

Orthodontic Retainers Can Harbor Harmful Microbes

Orthodontic retainers, removable devices used to keep teeth straight, can develop a build-up of potentially harmful microbes if they aren't properly cleaned, finds a new study.

Anti-Drug Message May Reach Young Girls, But Not Older Ones

Anti-drug ads appear to be an effective way of delaying and reducing marijuana use by eighth-grade girls in the United States, a new study has found.

Chemistry of Mosquito Sex May Hold Key to Disease Control

Scientists who've uncovered the chemistry of mosquito sex say their research may reveal ways to control mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and dengue fever.

Domestic Abuse Often Escapes Notice of ER Staff: Study

Three of four domestic violence victims treated in hospital emergency departments are not identified as victims of abuse, a new study reveals.

Rush to Buy Iodide Pills Unnecessary in U.S., Experts Say

As people across the United States rush to buy potassium iodide pills to protect themselves against any possible radiation exposure from Japan's nuclear plant crisis, experts stress there's no need for the pills since there is little danger that Americans are at any risk.

Smoke-Free Environments Linked to Less Breast Cancer

Women in smoke-free homes and workplaces are less likely to develop or die from breast cancer, new research shows.

FDA Panel: Ban on Menthol Cigarettes Would Boost Health

In a long-awaited decision, an advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday said that menthol cigarettes are harmful and their removal "from the marketplace would benefit public health in the United States."

Analysis Confirms Diabetes Drug May Harm the Heart

A new analysis confirms that those who take the diabetes drug Avandia are more likely to develop heart problems and die than those who take a similar type of diabetes medication.

Acne May Blemish Teens' Emotional Lives, Too

A new review confirms something that teens have always known: pimples, low self-esteem and depression often go hand-in-hand.

Report Highlights Shortage of HIV Care Providers in U.S.

The U.S. medical system is ill-prepared to cope with the number of Americans now infected with HIV, a new report suggests.

Health Highlights: March 18, 2011

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

Clinical Trials Update: March 18, 2011

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

Trace Amounts of Radiation Reach California; No Health Risk, Experts Say

Trace amounts of radiation apparently from the crippled nuclear power plant in Japan have started to reach California, but they pose no health risks, according to news reports.