Health News

Health News for 07/11/11

July 11, 2011

Help Your Kids Stay in Shape This Summer

A bit of planning can help parents ensure their children eat right and get enough exercise during the summer, experts say.

For People With Diabetes, Pets May Pose Unusual Hazards

Pet owners are familiar with cats pouncing on their feet under the covers or a pooch who nibbles their toes in bed.

Health Tip: Dealing With Social Phobia

Social phobia is an irrational fear of social situations, including being judged or scrutinized by others.

Health Tip: If a Person With Alzheimer's Is Confused

Many people with Alzheimer's disease may become upset, fearful and agitated when confused.

Older Adults Have to Exercise More to Maintain Muscle Size, Study Finds

Older adults have to exercise more than younger adults in order to maintain muscle size, according to a new study.

Sleep Apnea Linked to Blood Vessel Disorders in Study

Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, plays a role in blood vessel abnormalities and should be treated to prevent potentially fatal heart conditions, a new study suggests.

The Hype on Hypoallergenic Dogs Is Just That, Study Warns

So-called hypoallergenic dogs are no less likely to make you sneeze than other dogs, a new study says.

Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Seem to Lack Enough Vitamin D

Vitamin D insufficiency is common among people with psoriatic arthritis, but levels of the vitamin in the blood do not affect disease activity, a new study finds.

Adherence to Angioplasty/Stent Guidelines Lacking: Study

Many U.S. hospitals don't follow recently revised guidelines for the appropriate use of balloon angioplasty and stenting in patients who have a blocked coronary artery after a heart attack, a new study finds.

Parkinson's Patients Still Prescribed Antipsychotics Despite Warning

Antipsychotic drugs are still prescribed to more than half of U.S. patients with Parkinson's disease and psychosis even though a warning that these drugs can worsen Parkinson's symptoms was issued six years ago, a new study reveals.

Higher Folic Acid Levels in Teens Tied to Academic Success

Teens who have high levels of folic acid appear to do better in school than those with lower levels, Swedish researchers report.

ADHD, Learning Issues May Be Linked to Secondhand Smoke

Children exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes face a higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other behavioral problems and learning disorders, a new study finds.

Coordinated Cooling Effort After Cardiac Arrest Can Improve Outcomes

Cooling cardiac arrest patients can reduce the risk of lasting neurological damage, but this lifesaving treatment remains largely underutilized, a new study says.

Health Highlights: July 11, 2011

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

Study: Potassium Boosts Heart Health, Salt Harms It

Too much salt and too little potassium in your diet may boost your risk for cardiovascular disease and death, a new study shows.

Fast Food Is King of the Neighborhood, Study Reports

Into America's fight against obesity comes new research pitting fast food against fruits and veggies, and fast food, it seems, is the winner.

Deaths Up, Care Levels Down at Teaching Hospitals in July

The dog days of summer are a perfect time for hitting the beach. But a summer visit to your local teaching hospital?

Boostrix Approved to Prevent Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough in Seniors

Approval for the Boostrix vaccine has been expanded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in people 65 and older, the agency said in a news release.