Health News

Health News for 10/25/11

October 25, 2011

Health Tip: Alcohol Can Interact With Medications

Over-the-counter medications may seem safer because they don't require a prescription. But they can still interact badly when alcohol enters the mix.

Health Tip: Clean Dentures Well

Dentures, just as with natural teeth, require care and regular cleaning to help maintain a healthy mouth.

Sleepy Teens More Prone to Weight Gain: Study

Teens who don't get enough sleep may find themselves putting on extra pounds and boys, in particular, may be at risk for obesity, new research suggests.

Drug-Resistant Infections in Hospitals May Be Less Deadly Than Thought

Antibiotic-resistant infections acquired in hospital intensive care units may be killing fewer patients than feared, new research suggests.

Aging Brain's Decline May Hinge on a Gene

Researchers have identified a gene variation that seems to have a major effect on the rate at which men experience an age-related decline in intellectual function.

Drinking More Fluids Could Lower Men's Bladder Cancer Risk

Men who drink plenty of low-sugar fluids may reduce their risk for bladder cancer, new research suggests.

Some Asthma Drugs Raise Risk of Complications, Especially in Kids: Study

When used alone, the asthma medications known as long-acting beta-agonists are associated with an increased risk of serious complications, new research indicates.

Soft Drinks Linked to Violent Tendencies in Teens: Study

Teens who drink lots of soda seem to be prone to violence, new research suggests.

Pot Can Mimic Brain Changes Seen in Schizophrenia

Marijuana causes disruptions in concentration and memory similar to those that occur in people with schizophrenia, according to a new study.

Obesity May Hinder Flu Shot's Effectiveness

The various health risks associated with being overweight or obese are well known, but a new study now suggests that this extra weight may also make your annual flu shot less effective.

HIV Medication Patch Shows Promise in Early Trial

Preliminary research suggests that a patch could deliver an AIDS drug to patients, but it's too early to know if it could work in animals, let alone humans.

Viagra May Help Children With Rare Blood Pressure Disorder

New research suggests that the active ingredient in the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, which was initially developed as a treatment for heart disease, could help children with a rare condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension.

U.S. Health Officials Back HPV Vaccine for Boys

U.S. health authorities on Tuesday recommended that young males be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that causes most cervical cancers, as well as anal cancer and some cancers of the throat and mouth.

Parental Training May Benefit ADHD Kids Under 6: Report

Training parents in how to manage children's problem behaviors can improve the conduct of preschool children with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a new report.

CT Scans May Pick Up COPD Early in Smokers

Men with a history of heavy smoking who have a CT scan to look for lung cancer could benefit from a simultaneous check for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Dutch researchers suggest.

Flu Vaccine Isn't Foolproof

The most widely used flu vaccine in the United States is only about 60 percent effective in healthy adults, new research indicates.

Genes Could Highlight Plavix Users at Clot Risk After Stent

Scientists have identified mutations in three genes that make certain patients more likely to have a potentially fatal blood clot after undergoing heart stent placement.

Death Toll From Listeria Outbreak Hits 28

The death toll in the listeria outbreak traced to cantaloupes produced at a Colorado farm has reached 28, with another 133 people sickened in 26 states, U.S. officials said late Tuesday.