Health News

Health News for 07/21/11

July 21, 2011

Health Tip: Manage COPD Symptoms

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases that can severely undermine breathing. Examples include chronic bronchitis or emphysema.

Health Tip: Recognizing Strange Behavior

If a family member or loved one begins to display strange behavior, an underlying health issue could be responsible, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says.

Psychological Distancing May Be Key to Wisdom

Wisdom is gained by looking at things from a distance like a "fly on a wall," a new study contends.

Smartphones May Be Taxing Your Eyes

People reading text messages or browsing the Internet on their smartphones tend to hold the devices closer than they would a book or newspaper, forcing their eyes to work harder than usual, new research shows.

Epidemic of Obesity in U.S. Kids Began in Late '90s

The epidemic of excess weight gain and obesity among young Americans began about 15 years ago, a new study finds.

Blood Stored Too Long May Threaten Patient Safety

New research links medical problems caused by blood transfusion to the breakdown of red blood cells during blood storage. The findings suggest that a better way to store blood is needed.

Informed-Consent Forms for HIV Research Too Long: Study

The informed-consent documents that study volunteers must sign before joining HIV/AIDS research trials in countries around the world -- including the United States -- are too long and complicated, researchers say.

Optimism May Lower Stroke Risk

The more optimistic you are, the lower your risk of having a stroke, a new study suggests.

Elderly at Greater Risk for Heat Stroke, Experts Warn

The risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion, increases with age, experts at the U.S. National Institute on Aging warn.

Many Don't Toss Perishables After Long Power Outage: Poll

Most Americans are not prepared to keep their refrigerated food safe in the event of a power outage that lasts for more than a day, the results of a new survey suggest.

Study Contends Taller People at Heightened Cancer Risk

Tall folks may be more likely than shorter people to develop cancer, new British research says.

Are Newer MS Drugs Worth Their High Price Tag?

Newer "biologic" drugs for multiple sclerosis do benefit some patients, a new study finds, but they are extraordinarily expensive and may not be cost-effective when compared to more basic treatments.

Breast-feeding for 6 Months or More Protects Against Asthma

Babies who are exclusively breast-fed for six months or more are less likely to develop symptoms of asthma in early childhood, new research suggests.

FDA Approves Blood Thinner Brilinta for Heart Patients

In a long-awaited move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late Wednesday approved the blood thinner Brilinta (ticagrelor) for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes, to help lower their odds for heart attack and death.

Survey Suggests 'Sexting' Rampant in College

A survey of college students suggests that "sexting" is rampant: More than half said they have received sexual images on their phones, and almost eight in 10 said they've gotten suggestive text messages.

Clogged Arteries Might Raise Risk of Dementia, Experts Warn

Experts are warning that clogged arteries can do more than contribute to heart disease. They can also affect blood flow to the brain and cause dementia.

Women, Whites Most Likely to Seek Health Info Online: Survey

A new U.S. survey finds that women are more likely than men to use the Internet for medical information, and whites are more likely to do so than minorities.

Health Highlights: July 21, 2011

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

Brilinta Approved for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Brilinta (ticagrelor) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help reduce the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular death among people with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Tarceva Battles Lung Cancer in Some

New research finds that the targeted cancer drug Tarceva nearly triples the amount of time lung cancer patients survive without a recurrence and has fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy.