Health News

Health News for 07/19/11

July 19, 2011

Health Tip: Get Kids Moving

Getting daily exercise is a practice that should begin in childhood, many experts say.

Health Tip: Pain Relievers Aren't for Everyone

Over-the-counter pain relievers can be a quick and easy option to manage pain, but they may not safe for everyone.

Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders Tougher When It's Not Patient's Call

A new study finds that it takes longer to create do-not-resuscitate orders when someone other than the patient is making the decision, even though many of the patients in these cases are sicker than patients able to make their own decisions.

Happy Shoppers More Decisive When Purchasing

People who are happy or have a positive attitude while shopping are able to decide what they like or don't like more quickly and consistently, new research shows.

As Waistline Expands, So Does Death Risk for Kidney Patients

A large waist size is unhealthy for anyone, but for kidney disease patients, those extra pounds around the middle may double the risk of dying, a new study reports.

Does Meditation Boost Brain Health?

Following up on previous research showing that people who have practiced meditation for a long time have more gray matter in their brains, a small new study finds that their brains also shrink less as they age and they have stronger connections in the brain itself.

'Broken Heart Syndrome' May Affect More People Than Thought

"Broken heart syndrome" -- a temporary form of acute heart failure caused by a sudden weakening of the heart muscle -- may affect more people than previously thought, a new study suggests.

More Evidence That Exercise May Keep The Brain Sharp

Older adults who keep active may be helping to reduce their odds of losing their mental abilities, two new studies suggest.

Lifestyle Changes Might Prevent Millions of Cases of Alzheimer's

More than half of Alzheimer's cases globally could be prevented if modifiable risk factors such as depression, obesity and smoking were eliminated, either with lifestyle changes or treatment of underlying conditions, new research suggests.

C-Section Rate in U.S. Climbs to All-Time High: Report

Between 2002 and 2009, the number of cesarean deliveries rose significantly, from 27 percent of births to 34 percent, finds a new report based on information from 19 U.S. states.

Two Antidepressants Given to Dementia Patients Ineffective: Study

The antidepressants most often prescribed to treat depression in dementia patients provide no appreciable relief, and may raise the risk for serious side effects, new British research suggests.

Married Men Seem to Seek Help for Heart Attacks Sooner

Married men or those in common-law relationships seek medical care for heart attacks sooner than men who are single, divorced or widowed, according to a new study by Canadian researchers.

Study Hints at How Stress of Domestic Violence Might Be Passed to Unborn Child

A new study provides evidence that stress from domestic violence during pregnancy may make offspring more prone to stress as an adult.

Health Highlights: July 19, 2011

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

Restaurant Calorie Counts Can Miss the Mark: Study

In some states, it's already a requirement that restaurants with numerous locations must post the calorie counts of their foods. And, soon, federal law will require more restaurants across the country to provide such information to its patrons.

Stopping Daily Aspirin Boosts Heart Attack Risk: Study

People with heart disease who stop taking their daily low-dose aspirin may put themselves at a greater risk of having a heart attack, a new study finds.

Drug May Prevent Chemo-Linked Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients

Giving the ovaries a rest when young women with breast cancer are undergoing chemotherapy may help prevent early menopause and preserve fertility.

U.S. Panel Recommends Free Coverage of Birth Control

Women in the United States could have their birth control covered by insurance companies, free of co-pays, if provisions of a new report are enacted as part of last year's landmark health-reform law.