Health News

Health News for 05/19/11

May 19, 2011

Post-Partum Depression More Common in Abused Women

Hispanic women who suffer domestic abuse during or shortly before becoming pregnant have a fivefold increased risk of postpartum depression, U.S. researchers say.

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.

Health Tip: Remind Children and Teens of Pedestrian Safety

Children and teens may feel like they are invincible, and that they can take care of themselves.

Health Tip: Traveling Despite Asthma and Allergies

Traveling can expose you to new triggers for allergies and asthma, but planning ahead can help you breathe a bit easier while you're away.

Buying Luxury Items on Credit May Be Ego Booster

When people need a self-esteem boost, they might buy high status items and use a credit card when they make those expensive purchases, according to new research.

Punches Land Harder When Delivered From Above: Study

The human ability to stand on two legs may have developed because it improved males' ability to fight, a new study suggests.

Side Effects May Sway Drug Choices for Tough-to-Manage Diabetes

When someone with type 2 diabetes needs a third medication to control blood sugar levels, the choice may come down to which drug has the least undesirable side effects, because the available medications all lower blood sugar in a similar manner.

Kids of Deployed Parents May Face Mental Health Risks

Children whose parents are deployed in Afghanistan or Iraq face a higher risk of psychiatric problems requiring hospitalization, a new study indicates.

Stretch Before You Pick Up That Rake: Expert

If you're planning on digging up your garden or taking to the playing fields this summer, make sure you start slow, take breaks and stretch.

Mammals' Brains Grew Larger to Enhance Sense of Smell: Study

The need for a good sense of smell helped lead to the development of large brains in humans and other mammals, scientists suggest.

Smoking Raises Odds for Cancer in Women Already at High Risk

Long-term smoking significantly increases the risk of invasive breast, lung and colon cancers in women with a high risk of breast cancer, a new study finds.

Black Americans With Lupus Have Better Response to Flu Vaccine

Black Americans with lupus have a higher antibody response to flu vaccination than whites with lupus, a new study says.

Internet Is Playing a Part in Spread of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling will become more widespread because of the increasing availability, especially online, of gambling opportunities, said experts who called for more research to improve understanding and treatment of the disorder.

Earlier PSA Test Best Predicts Risk of Dying From Prostate Cancer: Study

The results of a first prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for males between the ages of 44 and 50 can predict the risk of dying of prostate cancer within the next 25 to 30 years, according to a new study.

Springtime and the Sneezin' Is Easy

For people with pollen allergies, this year is especially tough, say allergy experts.

Many Women Can Have Cervical Cancer Test Every 3 Years: Study

Women 30 and older who have good results from each of the two cervical cancer tests available today can safely wait three years for their next screening instead of just one year, according to new research.

Pssst... Gossip Might Serve a Useful Function

Gossip can be malicious and mean, but it also may serve a protective purpose, forcing the brain to focus on people who might be threatening, a new study suggests.

Study Finds Ovarian Screening Tests Don't Improve Survival

New research finds that the only two tests available to screen for ovarian cancer don't reduce the average woman's risk of dying from this "silent killer."

Health Highlights: May 19, 2011

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

Rep. Giffords Recovering After Skull Surgery

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords continued her remarkable recovery Thursday, one day after doctors inserted a plastic implant to replace the piece of skull that had been removed after she was shot in the head by a would-be assassin four months ago.

FDA to Pull Diabetes Drug Avandia From Pharmacy Shelves

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that the controversial diabetes drug Avandia will no longer be sold at retail pharmacies beginning this November, due to the cardiovascular risks it poses to patients.

Swimmer's Ear Costs Up to $500 Million a Year in U.S.

Summer fun can take a nose dive if someone in the family gets swimmer's ear, a common infection that accounts for almost $500 million in U.S. health-care costs each year, according to a new government report.

New Test Detects Recent Infection With Toxoplasmosis

A new test to detect whether a toxoplasmosis infection has been acquired within the past four months has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Spinal Stimulation Helps Paralyzed Man Regain Movement

A patient completely paralyzed below the chest after an road accident has been able to stand up by himself, move his legs and feet and take some assisted steps on a treadmill, thanks to electrical stimulation of his lower spinal cord.