Health News

Health News for 08/19/11

August 19, 2011

Celiac Disease on the Rise in U.S.

Complaints of celiac disease are on the rise in the United States, with more and more people growing ill from exposure to products containing gluten.

Gluten-Free Set This Boy Free

At 3 years of age, Pablo Douros was a sick little boy.

Health Tip: Are Turned Toes Trouble?

In-toeing or out-toeing occur when a child's toes point inward or outward as they walk. Many children who begin walking this way outgrow the abnormal gait.

Health Tip: Using an Antiviral for Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes itchy, fluid-filled skin blisters. Usually affecting children, the infection typically runs its course and clears up without treatment.

Kids' Hacking Is Seldom Whooping Cough, Study Finds

Very few babies and children treated for coughs or respiratory illnesses have pertussis, a highly contagious childhood disease also known as whooping cough, Swiss researchers have found.

Paper Money Worldwide Tainted With BPA: Study

Paper money worldwide is contaminated with the potentially toxic chemical bisphenol A (BPA), according to a new study.

Respect for Muslims' Beliefs Would Improve Their Health Care: Study

The religious beliefs and traditions of the estimated 7 million Muslims in the United States significantly influence their attitudes about health care, and the medical establishment would do well to address their concerns, a new study suggests.

Adult Vaccinations Protect Children: Report

Regular vaccinations for adults can help protect children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems, but few American adults get the recommended immunizations, experts say.

Moms' Depression Affects Kids' Brain Structure, Scans Show

Children of mothers with depression have an enlarged amygdala, the part of the brain associated with emotional responses, Canadian researchers have found.

People Appear to Dream While in Minimally Conscious State

Some patients do dream while in a minimally conscious state and are therefore likely to still have a form of consciousness about themselves and the external world, a new study says.

Test for Calcium Buildup May Spot Heart Attack, Stroke Risk

A calcium test performed with the assistance of a CT scanner seems to provide insight into the likelihood that certain patients at moderate risk of heart problems will have a heart attack or stroke, researchers say.

Children With Food Allergies Often Face Skepticism

When Bela Mehta's toddler son was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy, she carefully explained to her parents and in-laws that ingesting even the tiniest amount of peanut could cause a life-threatening reaction.

New Drug May Put the Squeeze on Heart Failure

An experimental heart failure drug may change the way doctors treat this vexing condition, researchers say.

Number of U.S. Kids With Public Health Insurance Rising

The number of American children eligible for and enrolled in public health insurance programs increased between 2008 and 2009, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: Aug.19, 2011

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

Adcetris Approved to Treat Lymphomas

A new treatment called Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and a rare type of lymphatic-system cancer called systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).