Health News

Health News for 08/15/11

August 15, 2011

Health Tip: Manage Your Stress at Work

Job-related stress affects your work performance and can spill over into your personal life. So, learning how to manage stress at work can help you both at home and on the job.

Health Tip: Reduce Toddler Serving Sizes

When sizing a toddler's meal, keep in mind that serving sizes should be smaller for smaller tummies.

Unemployment Higher Among Childhood Cancer Survivors in Poor Health

The risk of unemployment is high for adult childhood cancer survivors with poor health, a new study finds.

Menthol May Make It Tougher to Stop Smoking

Menthol cigarettes make it more difficult for smokers to quit, especially blacks and Puerto Ricans, a new study indicates.

More Evidence That Alcohol Hinders Good Sleep

You might want to take a pass on that nightcap, a new study suggests.

Risk of Autism in Siblings Higher Than Thought

Younger siblings of a child with an autism spectrum disorder have a nearly one in five chance of being diagnosed with autism, much higher than previous estimates, a new study finds.

Survival After Cardiac Arrest in ICU May Depend on Cause

Long-term survival rates are low for intensive care unit (ICU) patients who suffer certain types of cardiac arrest, a new study finds.

Study Supports Selective Use of Drug-Coated Stents

Limiting the use of expensive drug-eluting (coated) stents does not increase patients' risk of heart attack or death, but it can save the U.S. health care system hundreds of millions of dollars a year, a new study suggests.

For Men, 'Culture of Honor' Can Be Deadly

Psychologists call it the "culture of honor," a mostly male mindset that places a high value on defending one's reputation at any cost. But new research confirms that it's linked with high rates of accidental deaths.

A Little Exercise Goes a Long Way to Cut Disease, Death Risk

Just 15 minutes of physical activity a day can reduce your risk of death by 14 percent and increase your life expectancy by three years, a new study suggests.

Obesity Before Pregnancy May Raise Child's Asthma Risk

Teens of mothers who were overweight or obese when they became pregnant may be at increased risk for asthma symptoms, according to a new study.

Too Much TV May Take Years Off Your Life

Spending your days in front of the television may contribute to a shortened lifespan, a new study suggests.

Many More Kids Hospitalized for Mental Illness: Study

Short-stay hospitalizations of children with mental illnesses surged between 1996 and 2007, while psychiatric admissions among the elderly declined in that period, according to a new study examining changing patterns in psychiatric hospitalization in the United States.

Story 'Spoilers' May Boost Enjoyment

Although many people think that flipping to the back of the book or knowing a story's ending before it even starts will "spoil" it, a new study revealed knowing what happens in the end may actually help people enjoy a story even more.

Chinese Herbs Equal to Tamiflu in Reducing H1N1 Fever: Study

A traditional Chinese herbal treatment may reduce fever from H1N1 ("swine flu") influenza just as well as the prescription medication Tamiflu, a new study suggests.

Radiation From Japan Reached California Coast in Just Days

New research finds that radiation from the nuclear plant accident in Japan in March reached California within days, showing how quickly air pollution can travel, but scientists say the radiation will not hurt people.

Health Highlights: Aug.15, 2011

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

Vitamin D Levels Linked to Certain Skin Cancers, Study Finds

The higher a person's vitamin D levels, the higher the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, finds new research.

More Evidence Tanning Beds May Be Addictive

Frequent indoor tanners may exhibit brain changes that are similar to those seen among people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, according to a new study that adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that indoor tanning may be addictive.

New Strategy Trains All Soldiers in Trauma Care

During a firefight in Afghanistan, Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Petry, an Army Ranger, picked up a live grenade and threw it away to save the lives of his fellow soldiers. As he did, the grenade exploded, blowing off his right hand. A bleeding Petry, who'd also been shot in both legs, stopped the bleeding by tying his own tourniquet.