Health News

Health News for 03/28/11

March 28, 2011

Health Tip: Recognizing Symptoms of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Many women are uncomfortable before and during the monthly menstrual cycle, but more intense symptoms may be more than just premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Health Tip: Help Strengthen Your Bones

Weight-bearing exercises help strengthen bones and muscles by making them work against gravity.

Teens Who Smoke Early Often Try Pot Later, Study Finds

Teenagers who begin smoking at an early age are much more likely to start using marijuana by the time they're 17, researchers report.

Seeing Others Scratch Can Trigger Your Own Itch

Seeing other people scratching can cause your brain to trigger your own itch, researchers suggest.

Some Women Worry More About Cancer Recurrence Than Others

Some women who've been treated for early-stage breast cancer are more likely than others to worry excessively that the cancer will return, a new study has found.

High Blood Pressure in Doc's Office Not Always Hypertension

One-third of patients with resistant high blood pressure have so-called "white coat hypertension," a new study suggests.

Nicotine Raises Blood Sugar Levels in Lab

Smoking is damaging to everyone's health, but the nicotine in cigarettes may be even more deadly for people who have diabetes.

Teens' Weight Loss Surgery May Weaken Bones

Teens who undergo gastric bypass weight loss surgery can expect to have a decline in bone mass, just as adults do, according to a new study.

Social Media Has Good and Bad Effects on Kids: Experts

Social media Web sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, have become nearly inescapable facets of modern life, particularly for kids. And a new report suggests they can have real benefits and risks for children.

'Surgeon Enthusiasm' May Spur Higher Rates of Back Pain Procedures: Study

"Surgeon enthusiasm" is a major reason why surgeons in some areas are more likely to recommend surgery for low back problems, according to a new study.

No Good Evidence That Folk Remedies Ease Colic

Fennel extract, herbal tea and sugar water relieved colic in some infants better than a placebo, according to a new study that reviewed clinical trials of alternative remedies for colic.

Conflicts of Interest Cloud Heart Treatment Guidelines: Study

More than half of the nearly 500 writers and reviewers of recent cardiology clinical practice guidelines reported a conflict of interest due to ties with drug makers and other companies, a new study finds.

Weight-Loss Surgery May Cut Migraine Pain in Obese Patients

Severely obese men and women who have bariatric surgery may shed more than just excess pounds: They may also reduce much of their pre-surgery risk for experiencing disabling migraines, researchers say.

Romantic Rejection May Hurt Just Like Physical Pain

Memories of devastating heartbreaks appear to trigger activity in the brain that's similar to when people suffer physical pain, new research suggests.

Health Highlights: March 28, 2011

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

Clinical Trials Update: March 28, 2011

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

Airport Scanners Appear Safe, Study Finds

Radiation from the full-body scanners increasingly used to screen U.S. airline passengers is not a significant health threat, University of California researchers report.

Healthy Lifestyles Could Halve Cases of Dangerous Irregular Heartbeat

The lives of millions of aging Americans are threatened by an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation, which raises their risk for stroke. But a new report finds that the condition doesn't have to arise as often as it does.

Medical Marijuana Might Slow Thinking Among MS Patients

As the debate over medical marijuana use continues, a new study among multiple sclerosis patients -- who often use the drug to relieve pain and muscle spasticity -- adds to the argument that smoking pot clouds thinking skills.

Stress Hormone Might Help Overcome Fear of Heights

Adding the stress hormone cortisol to more traditional exposure therapy may help anxious patients overcome their fear of heights, researchers say.