Health News

Health News for 05/23/11

May 23, 2011

Health Tip: Ease Pain From Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the tendons that join the muscles of the forearm on the outside of the elbow.

Health Tip: Keep a Kid-Friendly Kitchen

The kitchen can be a dangerous place for young children.

Younger Docs More Likely to Prescribe Drugs for Heart Disease: Study

Older doctors are more likely to recommend lifestyle changes for patients with heart disease risk factors, while younger doctors are more likely to prescribe medications, a new study finds.

Genes Tied to Severity of Cystic Fibrosis Identified

The severity of cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening hereditary condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, seems to be influenced by genetic variations, researchers have found.

Cancer Patients Benefit From Full Access to Medical Records

Cancer patients who are given full access to their medical records feel a greater sense of satisfaction about their treatment, a new study finds.

Certain COPD Meds Linked to Urinary Troubles in Men

New research suggests that a certain class of drugs used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) boosts the risk that male patients will be unable to urinate.

Researchers Find Cousin of Hepatitis C Virus in Dogs

Researchers report that they've discovered a virus similar to the human hepatitis C virus in dogs, a finding that might provide insight into how the germ evolved in people and perhaps lead to better treatments.

CDC Warns Against Exposure to 'Mad Cow'-Like Brain Diseases

U.S. researchers have new information about how humans are exposed to "prion" diseases, which are rare, progressive conditions that affect brain function, such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as "mad cow disease."

Losing Baby Weight Cuts Odds of Pregnancy-Linked Diabetes

Women who gained 18 or more pounds after their first baby was born are more than three times more likely to develop gestational diabetes during their second pregnancy, according to new research.

Certain Antibiotics During Pregnancy May Be Safe After All

Two antibiotics that were linked to birth defects may be safe to take during pregnancy after all, an obsetricians/gynecologists group says.

Some Dentists Reluctant to Treat Kids on Medicaid: Study

Undercover research in Illinois reveals that dentists are far more willing to provide emergency care to children with private insurance than to kids with public insurance such as Medicaid.

U.S. Rates of Autism, ADHD Continue to Rise: Report

One in six U.S. children now has a developmental disability such as autism, learning disorders or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Blood Pressure Drug Helps Those With Mild Heart Failure

New Swedish research suggests that the drug Inspra reduces the threat of major cardiovascular complications among patients who have a mild form of heart failure.

Health Highlights: May 23, 2011

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

FDA Approves Another New Drug to Fight Hepatitis C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Incivek (telaprevir), one of a new class of drugs, to fight chronic hepatitis C infection.

Sutent Approved for Rare Pancreatic Cancer

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Sutent (sunitinib) has been expanded to include people with neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer that is inoperable or has metastasized to other parts of the body.

CT Heart Scans No Benefit to Patients Without Symptoms

For people who show no symptoms of heart disease, there is little short-term benefit to having their heart vessels scanned for plaque buildup, a new study suggests.

Incivek Approved for Hepatitis C

Incivek (telaprevir) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with chronic hepatitis C infection who either haven't received standard interferon therapy or haven't responded to it.

Being Born Only Week or Two Early Raises Risks for Baby

Newborns delivered only a week or two early still face a significantly higher risk of death, a new study finds.

Experts Issue 'Top 5' List for Better Primary Care

Cutting back on unnecessary antibiotics, delaying wasteful imaging for lower back pain and foregoing annual ECG screenings for healthy, low-risk patients are among the actions that could help streamline primary care, experts say.

A Cultured Man Is a Healthier, Happier Man: Study

Are you the type of man who enjoys going to concerts, art galleries and the theater? If so, here's some good news: A new Norwegian study suggests that you are more likely to enjoy life and be in better health than those who don't.