Health News

Health News for 08/02/11

August 02, 2011

Health Tip: Thaw Poultry Safely

There are safe ways to thaw chicken, turkey and other poultry -- and there are not so safe ways to do so. Improper thawing can lead to food-borne illness.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Eczema Flares

Eczema is a chronic condition that makes the skin red, dry and itchy.

Regular Exercise Boosts the Brain, Too

Regular workouts not only do a body good, they may improve the mind as well, a new review of the data on the subject finds.

Doctor Offers Tips on How to Travel With Kids

From long plane rides to cramped road trips, family vacations can spell trouble, but parents can take steps before leaving home to help their families return with fond memories rather than horror stories, a pediatrician says.

Americans No Longer Outliving Europeans: Study

Americans used to live a little longer than Europeans, but that's no longer the case, according to a new study that gives high-income nations in Europe an 18-month advantage in longevity.

Bio-Engineered Spinal Discs Appear Successful in Rats

Special bioengineered spinal discs seem to grow and replace damaged discs -- at least in rats, a new study shows.

Cancer Patients May Be at Greater Risk for Sun Damage

During the summer, cancer patients are at greater risk for sun damage and need to be extra vigilant about sun safety, researchers say.

Post-Heart Attack Exercise May Depend on Where You Live

Heart attack survivors who live in poor neighborhoods get less exercise than those in wealthier neighborhoods, a new study finds.

Kids Still See Unhealthy-Food Ads on TV, Study Finds

American children see fewer food and drink ads on television today, but most of the ads they view are for unhealthy products, a new study says.

Statins May Help Heart in Some Young Stroke Patients

Statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that includes Liptior and Crestor, appear to help young people after they've had a certain kind of stroke with unknown cause, a new study has found.

Health Highlights: Aug. 2, 2011

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

Support for Breast-Feeding Found Lacking in Many U.S. Hospitals

Less than 4 percent of U.S. hospitals offer the full range of support services that new mothers need to master breast-feeding, a new government report shows.

Many Kids Now Engage in Media 'Multi-Tasking'

Apparently, today's youngsters love their media -- a lot.

Larger Dose of Zinc Lozenges May Shorten Colds

There's still no cure for the common cold, but there may be a way to shorten its misery: A new study suggests that higher doses of zinc lozenges in certain formulations may cut the length of colds by more than 40 percent.

Antipsychotic Doesn't Ease PTSD in Vets, Study Finds

An antipsychotic drug widely used to treat soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not be as effective as once thought.

Popular Antidepressants Not Always Best Choice for Seniors

New research suggests that hugely popular antidepressants such as Prozac and Effexor might not always be the best choice for seniors, since they seem to have more side effects than older antidepressants do.

Violence Against Women Can Take Lifelong Toll: Study

Women who've suffered from gender-based violence are more likely to develop anxiety disorders or other mental woes, experience physical and mental disabilities, and have worse quality of life than other women, new research shows.