Health News

Health News for 06/20/11

June 20, 2011

Health Tip: Create an Asthma Action Plan for School

If your school-age child has asthma, school educators and staff should know the specifics, in case of an emergency.

Results of Bodychecking in Youth Hockey Examined

The overall risk of injury and concussion among young ice hockey players is not affected by the age at which they're first allowed to bodycheck, according to a new study.

Support Is Key to 'Coming Out' Process for Gay People: Study

For gay and lesbian Americans, the rewards of "coming out" often hinge on the support of the local community, a new study shows.

Bullying's Scars May Last a Lifetime, Experts Say

Because millions of kids in the United States are affected by bullying, some people may shrug it off as just a part of growing up. But experts warn that it should be treated as a serious issue and not accepted as normal childhood behavior.

Men's Waistlines Could Be Key to Health

Men can gain significant health benefits from watching their waist size and, if necessary, losing some flab around the middle, the American Dietetic Association says.

Faster Transition From CPR to Defibrillator May Save Lives

Cardiac arrest victims are more likely to survive if rescuers take a shorter pause in CPR before and after using a defibrillator to deliver an electric shock to the heart, a new study finds.

Most Medicare Patients With Cancer Get Good Surgical Care: Study

Most U.S. cancer patients covered by Medicare receive appropriate surgical care at the nation's hospitals, a new study finds.

Experimental Vaccine Seems to Cure Prostate Cancer in Mice

Preliminary research shows that an experimental vaccine may cure prostate cancer in mice.

Rise in Drug-Related Suicide Attempts by Young Men Alarms Experts

U.S. emergency department visits for drug-related suicide attempts by young adult males rose 55 percent between 2005 and 2009, a government report says.

One in 12 U.S. Children May Have Food Allergies: Report

Nearly 6 million U.S. children -- or about one in 12 kids -- are allergic to at least one food, with peanuts, milk and shellfish topping the list of the most common allergens, a new study finds.

Portable Pools Pose Drowning Risk for Young Kids

Portable swimming pools, including the increasingly popular, inflatable models, pose serious risks to young children, experts warn.

Single Reading Can't Gauge Blood Pressure Control: Study

Evaluating how well a person responds to medication meant to lower blood pressure requires multiple readings, new research suggests.

Study Finds Botox Alternative Better at Smoothing 'Crow's Feet'

A more recently approved version of botulinum toxin type A beat the anti-wrinkle medication Botox in a trial that compared the respective powers of each in erasing those unwanted lines of aging around the eyes known as "crow's feet."

Health Highlights: June 20, 2011

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

FDA to Step Up Inspections of Imported Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday a new strategy to help ensure the safety and quality of imported drugs and food products.

IUDs Officially Recommended for Healthy Women, Teens

A female contraceptive device whose reported side effects kept it off the frontline of birth control for years has been formally endorsed for all healthy adult women and adolescents by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Millions Don't Get Meds for Serious Artery Disease: Study

Millions of Americans suffer from a condition known as peripheral artery disease but aren't receiving medical treatment, putting them at risk of potentially fatal heart problems, a new study finds.

Many Using Free Preventive Screenings Tied to Health Care Reform

More than 5 million Americans with Medicare have already taken advantage of the preventive benefits added by the passage of health care reform, U.S. health officials said Monday.

Experts Issue Guidelines on Safe Weight Loss for Athletes

Gymnasts, wrestlers and boxers often feel pressure to lose weight to boost performance, but the drastic methods they sometimes use -- including strictly limiting calories and intentional dehydration -- can be dangerous to their health, experts warn.

Abuse-Resistant Oxycodone Approved

Oxecta, an abuse-resistant form of the top-selling painkiller oxycodone, has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Generic Versions of Levofloxacin Approved

The first generic versions of levofloxacin, prescribed under the brand name Levaquin, have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.