Health News

Health News for 05/17/11

May 17, 2011

Health Tip: Better Sleep Can Mean Less Arthritis Pain

Getting plenty of sleep each night can help you better manage arthritis pain, the Arthritis Foundation says.

Health Tip: Protect Your Heart

Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when fatty deposits known as plaque build up in the heart's arteries.

Fewer Men Having Surgery to Treat Enlarged Prostate: Study

Some men with enlarged prostate may not be receiving sufficient treatment and could suffer severe complications as a result, according to a new study.

Selenium Supplements Might Give Modest Benefit Against Cholesterol

A daily dose of the antioxidant selenium doesn't appear to elevate "bad" cholesterol levels, and may in fact prompt a very modest boost in "good" cholesterol, a new British study reveals.

Obese People at Higher Risk of Infection After Colon Surgery

Obese patients are at a significantly increased risk for surgical site infections after undergoing partial or full removal of the colon, a new study finds.

Unnecessary Blood Tests Plunge After Cost Reminders: Study

Reminding surgical staff about the expense of taking daily blood samples (phlebotomy) from patients for routine blood work appears to reduce the practice, a new study finds.

Parent's Fears Deprive Some Asthmatics of Flu Shot: Study

Concern about vaccine safety is one of the main reasons why some parents in the United States are reluctant to have their asthmatic children vaccinated against the flu, researchers report.

Tai Chi Prevents Falls, Boosts Mental Health in Seniors: Study

Tai chi helps reduce the risk of falls in older people and also improves their mental health, a new study has found.

Gene Variation May Explain Some Female Infertility Cases

A gene variation that causes faulty cholesterol regulation also appears to affect production of the pregnancy hormone progesterone and may be a reason why some women can't get pregnant, researchers say.

Surgery Viable for Advanced Prostate Cancer, Study Finds

Surgery to remove the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy) led to a 20-year survival rate for 80 percent of patients with advanced prostate cancer, a new study finds.

FDA Panels to Weigh Dosing Labels for Kids' OTC Fever Relievers

Two U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committees plan to meet Tuesday and Wednesday to decide whether to recommend that the dosing instructions on the labels of medicines containing acetaminophen need to be fine-tuned to protect children under the age of 2 against possible liver failure and even death.

Gene Region Seems Linked to Depression

A DNA region linked to depression has been identified by two different groups of scientists.

Scans of Egyptian Mummies Show Heart Disease Was Ancient Malady

Modern technology reveals that ancient Egyptians, including a princess of noble blood, suffered from coronary artery disease, according to a new report.

Health Highlights: May 17, 2011

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

What Protects the Heart May Also Ward Off Kidney Stones

The same lifestyle factors that are linked to healthy hearts and bones can also keep painful kidney stones at bay, a series of new studies suggests.

Almost 30% of Urban ERs Closed During Past Two Decades: Study

U.S. cities have lost almost 30 percent of their hospital emergency rooms in the past 20 years, while patient visits to ERs jumped by more than 35 percent, new research shows.

Could Coffee Lower Men's Risk for Prostate Cancer?

Men who drink at least six or more cups of coffee a day may be cutting their risk for advanced prostate cancer by 60 percent, new research suggests.

Pills, Surgery Both Effective for Chronic Reflux: Study

Both surgery and popular medications such as Nexium, Prevacid or Prilosec can successfully treat the discomfort of chronic reflux, according to new research.

Newer Epilepsy Meds Less Likely to Cause Birth Defects: Study

Newer epilepsy medications don't increase the risk of major birth defects in women taking these drugs during the first trimester of pregnancy, according to new research.

Foreskin May Be Reservoir for HPV

The penile foreskin can harbor the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for cervical cancer and genital warts, although experts disagree on whether this means that boys as well as girls should get vaccinations designed to prevent later sexual transmission.