Health News

Health News for 07/05/11

July 05, 2011

Health Tip: Some Prone to Losing Bone Mass

Some people are at risk for losing bone mass, but haven't progressed to full-blown osteoporosis. In other words, their bodies break down old bone faster than they can produce new bone. Doctors call this condition osteopenia.

Health Tip: Should You Eat Raw Fish?

In some cultures, eating raw fish is a time-honored tradition.

Small, Rural Hospitals Provide a Lower Quality of Care: Study

Small rural hospitals in the United States provide a lower quality of care and have worse patient outcomes than larger hospitals, a new study finds.

Healthy Lifestyle May Ward Off Sudden Cardiac Death in Women

Healthy living significantly reduces a woman's risk of sudden cardiac death, a new study says.

Stop-Smoking Drug Chantix Ups Risk of Heart Problems: Study

The quit-smoking drug Chantix may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes by as much as 72 percent in smokers who take it, even those without heart disease, researchers say.

Parents' Military Deployment May Harm Kids' Mental Health

Children with a parent on long-term military deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan are at increased risk for mental health problems, new research suggests.

Medical Futility Trend Seen in Neonatal Deaths

Most deaths that occur in neonatal intensive care units at U.S. hospitals are due to withdrawal of life support and the withholding of lifesaving measures, a new study reveals.

Eating Disorders Appear to Raise Risk of Death

People with eating disorders, especially those with anorexia nervosa, have an increased risk of death, a new study indicates.

Tots Who Are 'Late Talkers' Typically Turn Out Fine: Study

Youngsters who aren't talking at age 2 generally aren't at risk for future behavioral or emotional problems as a result, suggests new research.

Mammogram Schedule Should Be Customized, Study Finds

The timing and frequency of mammography to detect breast cancer is a decision best customized for each woman, based on such factors as age and breast density, new research suggests.

Massage Beats Meds for Lower Back Pain, Study Says

Massage therapy may be better than medication or exercise for easing low back pain in the short term, a new government-funded study suggests.

Environment May Be Especially Key to Autism: Study

MONDAY, July 4 (HealthDay News) Contrary to current thinking, environmental factors may play a larger role than shared genes in the development of autism, a new study in twins suggests.

Experimental Drug Bests Chemo in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Study

A drug designed to treat certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer boosts survival time without progression of cancer by several months, according to a new study.

Too Much Sitting May Double Women's Risk of Blood Clots

Women who sit for long periods of time on a regular basis have a two- to threefold increased risk of developing a potentially deadly blood clot in their lungs, a new study finds.

Painkillers May Raise Risk of Dangerous Heart Flutter

A new study finds that painkillers widely used to treat inflammation are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder connected with a raised risk of stroke, heart failure and death.

Health Highlights: July 5, 2011

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

Study Finds Most Urgent Angioplasties Warranted

New research shows that most urgent angioplasty procedures performed in the United States are warranted, but the same can't be said for those done on a non-emergency basis.

Arcapta Inhaler Approved for COPD

The Arcapta Neohaler (indacaterol inhalation powder) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the long-term treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Cuddling May Be Key to Long-Term Happy Relationship

Cuddling and caressing help boost satisfaction in long-term relationships, according to a new study of middle-aged and older couples.

Colon Cancer Death Rates Continue to Drop, CDC Reports

The death rates from colon cancer continue to drop in the United States, but they could fall even further if more people were screened, government health officials reported Tuesday.