Health News

Health News for 03/25/11

March 25, 2011

Cyclists Urged to Prep Their Bodies for the Long Haul

People looking for a cardiovascular workout that doesn't stress or put weight on their joints sometimes turn to biking. Rather than a 30-minute jog or a quick pick-up game of basketball, they can spend hours on the bike, with little or no joint strain.

Study Highlights How Moms' Depression, Anger Stresses Kids

Even very young children can get stressed by depressed parents who display negative emotions toward them, researchers confirm.

Health Tip: Why Baby Gets Diaper Rash

A baby's sensitive bottom may develop a rash from sitting too long in a soiled diaper. But that's not the only trigger that can cause the problem.

Health Tip: Walking Helps You Stay Healthier

The American Podiatric Medical Association discusses a great form of exercise that requires no special skill, no membership at the local gym, and no special equipment: walking.

Taking Responsibility for Own Health Often Not Enough

Most people want to take responsibility for their health but many fail to follow through with healthy lifestyle habits, finds a new survey.

Nick Jonas Lives Large, Despite Diabetes

Teen superstar Nick Jonas may be the picture of health today, but five years ago his body was wasting away. Even at 13, Jonas knew something was wrong. He just didn't know what.

Poor Eating Habits May Lead to Anemia in Older Women

A poor diet is associated with a greater risk of developing anemia among postmenopausal women, a new study has found.

Primary Care Docs Often Overlook Short Stature in Girls

Short girls are less likely than short boys to be referred for tests that could reveal underlying medical reasons for their stature, researchers have found.

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Linked to Behavior Problems in Teens

Teens whose mothers drank alcohol regularly throughout the first trimester of pregnancy have a threefold increased risk of developing severe behavior problems, a new study warns.

Stress May Alter Gut Bacteria to Hinder Immune System

Researchers have found that stress can alter the balance of bacteria that live in the intestine, leading to immune system problems.

For Lung Disorder, Spiriva Beat Serevent in Head-to-Head Trial

People with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) use inhaled long-acting bronchodilators to control symptoms and reduce flare-ups, but which type of drug is best hasn't been clear.

Interest in Toys May Predict Success of Autism Home Therapy

The level of interest toddlers with early signs of autism show in toys may predict how well they will respond to a parent-guided treatment program, a new study suggests.

Gender May Play Role in Psych Symptoms in Kids With Epilepsy

Children with epilepsy are at increased risk for psychiatric symptoms and gender may play a role in the types of psychiatric problems they develop, a new study has found.

Animal 'Hoarding' Often Tied to Mental Illness

A small army of animal welfare workers spent nearly 10 hours removing hundreds of sick and dying animals from a rural North Carolina property in one of the United States' larger animal-hoarding cases.

Alcohol May Play Dual Role in Some Cases of Elder Abuse

Seniors who suffer elder abuse are more likely to be women, to have a neurological or mental disorder and to abuse drugs or alcohol, new research indicates.

Laughter, Music May Lower Blood Pressure, Study Says

Laughter and music not only lift the mood, they might also drop blood pressure among middle-aged adults, a new study suggests.

Short Course of Hormone Therapy Boosts Prostate Cancer Survival: Study

Just six months of hormone therapy, along with radiation, cuts the risk of dying from locally advanced prostate cancer in half when compared to radiation alone, researchers report.

Brain Stimulation Might Help Stroke Patients With Swallowing Problems

Electrical stimulation of the brain could help stroke patients avoid potentially dangerous problems with swallowing, preliminary research indicates.

Health Highlights: March 25, 2011

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

Clinical Trials Update: March 25, 2011

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

Drug Approved for Late-Stage Melanoma

The drug Yervoy (ipilimumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat late-stage melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.