Health News

Health News for 07/15/11

July 15, 2011

Health Tip: Controlling Your Diabetes

Tight diabetes control means carefully managing your meals, exercise and medication to ensure that your blood glucose levels are stable.

Health Tip: Take Appendicitis Symptoms Seriously

While the appendix doesn't appear to have a real job in the body, it quickly becomes a concern when inflammation of the organ -- known as appendicitis -- sets in.

Younger Kids Respond Better to 'Lazy Eye' Treatment

Younger children respond better to treatment for lazy eye (amblyopia) than older children, according to an analysis of previous studies.

Kids of Moms With History of Depression Seem Less Happy

Children who show fewer than normal signs of affection or happiness, such as smiles, laughter or hugs, might be at risk for depression, a new study suggests.

Rigorous Exercise May Boost Benefits of Weight-Loss Surgery

After undergoing the weight-loss procedure known as bariatric surgery, following a rigorous exercise routine can help patients continue to lose weight and avoid regaining unwanted pounds, researchers say.

Binge Drinking May Impair Teen Brain Development

Binge drinking can damage teenagers' spatial working memory (the ability to perceive their environment or their surroundings) at a critical time when their brains are still developing, according to a new study.

Drinking Alcohol May Prolong, Not Relieve, Stress

Although many people think that having a cocktail will help them relax, the relationship between stress and alcohol is a two-way street, researchers say.

Alcohol Affects Left, Right Heart Chambers Differently

The left and right ventricles of the heart have very different reactions to small amounts of alcohol, a new study finds.

Cyberbullying a Big Worry for Parents: Survey

More than half of the parents of teen-agers say they're worried about cyberbullying, a new survey finds.

The Cycling Stud Who Shed His Couch Potato Skin

Kids stretched out their open palms over barricades as I crossed the finish line Sunday of the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, and I high-fived them as I rolled past, feeling like an utter rock star.

Dogs Adept at Reading People's Minds

To anyone who is familiar with the eerily human-like qualities of man's best friend, the news that dogs can read your mind shouldn't come as any surprise.

Researchers Closer to Developing Universal Meningitis B Vaccine

New research may bring scientists one step closer to developing a vaccine that protects against hundreds of strains of meningococcus B, the most common cause of bacterial meningitis.

Injection Drug Users Most in Need of Treatment, Study Says

Injection drug users have the greatest need for substance abuse treatment, regardless of what types of drugs they use, according to a new study.

Cigarette Tax Unlikely to Deter Some Smokers: Report

In an attempt to get smokers to kick the harmful habit, a number of governments have raised taxes on cigarettes, yet many people remain undeterred by the price increases, according to a new Canadian study.

Novel Virus 'Jumped' From Monkeys to Humans, Researchers Find

A novel version of a virus responsible for many well-known illnesses in humans and animals has managed to jump from one species and spark infection in another, according to researchers.

Want to Eat Less? Try a Bigger Fork

One way to avoid overeating at your favorite restaurant may be to order bigger cutlery, a new study suggests.

Health Highlights: July 15, 2011

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