Health News

Health News for 05/24/11

May 24, 2011

Health Tip: Symptoms That May Indicate Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by body aches and pains, and "tender points" that are painful to the touch.

Health Tip: The Dangers of Having High Cholesterol

High cholesterol usually refers to above-normal levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the so-called "bad cholesterol" that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.

How to Guard Against Dog Bites

Dogs bite about 4.7 million people in the United States every year, but education and proper training and control of dogs can prevent many attacks, experts say.

Drug Marketing Often Targets Med Students: Analysis

Drug company marketing to those attending medical school is common and can cloud students' ethical judgment, researchers warn.

MS in Blacks Linked to Low Vitamin D

Black people with multiple sclerosis are more likely to have vitamin D deficiencies than blacks who don't have the disease, a new study shows.

Study Ties Blood Markers to Death Risk in Heart Failure

Among older people who appear to have heart failure, the presence of certain biomarkers in the blood raise their risk for dying, a new study has found.

Airborne Germs May Spur Rain, Snow, Hail

Rain-making bacteria may shed some light on the role that biological particles play in the Earth's precipitation cycle, new research shows.

Too Many Kids Getting Antibiotics for Asthma

Although guidelines don't recommend antibiotics for asthma, almost 1 million children with the respiratory condition are prescribed the medications each year in the United States, a new study finds.

Closing Schools Seems to Prevent Flu's Spread

When it comes to the flu, closing schools as well as other public places and canceling large gatherings are effective ways to guard against the spread of the disease, according to new research.

Simply Eating Less Fat May Cut Diabetes Risk

Losing weight may not be required to lower a person's risk for diabetes, a new study contends.

Regular Brisk Walks May Protect Prostate Cancer Patients

Prostate cancer patients who take brisk walks on a regular basis fare better than those who don't, a new study suggests.

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.

Underwater, Humans Hear Through Their Bones

Humans possess the ability to hear far higher pitched sounds when underwater than they can while on terra firma.

Twin Cities Take Top Ranking for Healthy Living

Exercising more and smoking less are two of the main reasons why residents of Minneapolis-St. Paul find their city is now the top-ranked in the United States for healthy living.

Health Highlights: May 24, 2011

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

Cooked Right, Fish Can Help a Woman's Heart

Long known as heart-healthy, fish that's baked or broiled also protects against developing heart failure, a new study suggests.

With Calcium, More May Not Be Better

Getting enough calcium for bone health is essential, but getting more than that doesn't appear to confer any additional benefit, Swedish researchers have found.

More Primary Care Docs in a Community Equals Healthier Seniors

The more primary care doctors a community has, especially ones who are actually practicing primary care, the healthier seniors in that community are, a new Dartmouth study suggests.

Irregular Heartbeat Linked to Raised Death Risk in Women

Women newly diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation have a significantly higher risk of death than women without this condition, suggests new research.