Health News

Health News for 10/31/11

October 31, 2011

Health Tip: Get Into the Habit of Exercising

For optimal health and weight management, be sure to make physical activity a part of your daily routine.

Health Tip: Ice a Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle involves a stretched or torn ligament near the joint. Experts often suggest icing the ankle to ease pain and reduce swelling.

Life in U.S. Not Always a Plus for Immigrants' Health

The longer they live in the United States, the more likely it is that Hispanic immigrants will develop health problems, a new study says.

'Hard Hats' Still Have High Rates of Injury, Illness: Report

Construction workers in the United States have a high risk of work-related injuries and an increased risk of work-related illness and death, a new study shows.

Teens With a Deployed Parent May Be More Prone to Violence

Teens who have at least one parent deployed with the military may be more likely to fight, carry a weapon and join a gang, according to a U.S. study.

Dementia May Impede Stroke Recovery

People with dementia who suffer a stroke are more likely to be disabled and less likely to return home than stroke patients who didn't have dementia, a new study finds.

Could Listening to Mozart Help Doctors Spot Colon Polyps?

Doctors who listen to Mozart while performing colonoscopies may spot more precancerous growths, researchers suggest.

Stomach Bug Easily Passed Among Pro Sports Teams: Report

Certain factors unique to professional sports can increase the risk of outbreaks of highly contagious norovirus among teams and their staff, a new report suggests.

Past Trauma May Contribute to Bowel Disorder

Major psychological and emotional events experienced over a lifetime may contribute to the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a new study.

Could Happy Lives Be Longer Lives?

A new British study finds that older adults who report feeling happy and content live longer than others.

Yoga Gets Women With Back Pain Moving: Study

Another study finds that yoga classes can improve back function among people with chronic or recurrent lower back pain.

Health Highlights: Oct. 31, 2011

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

Spooky Contacts Can Be a Nightmare for Your Eyes

Laura Butler was vacationing in Virginia Beach, Va., when, on a whim, the brown-eyed mom decided to buy a pair of blue contact lenses for $29.99 from a novelty shop.

Experts Offer 'Lucky 13' Tips for Safe and Healthy Halloween

From decorative contact lenses to face paint, experts warn that Halloween costumes may result in a wide array of potentially serious health issues from falls to allergic reactions.

Report Slams Makers of Sugary Drinks for Targeting Kids

A new report claims that the makers of sugar-laden drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit drinks take direct aim at children, particularly black and Hispanic kids, in their marketing campaigns.

Many Parents Skipping Kids' Shots, Putting Other Kids at Risk

By signing an affidavit that says "all or some immunizations are contrary to my beliefs," California parents can bypass requirements that their children be fully immunized before attending school, and new research indicates that many are choosing to do so.

Handheld Metal Detectors Don't Seem to Affect Pacemakers: Study

Heart patients with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators will find comfort from a German study that suggests that the handheld metal detectors used at airports won't cause the medical devices to malfunction.

Not All Women at Higher Risk in Families Carrying Breast Cancer Gene

Women who have a relative with breast cancer linked to the high-risk BRCA genetic mutation understandably worry about their own risk.

Obama Acts to Ease U.S. Drug Shortages

Jay Cuetara arrived at the chemotherapy suite of his hospital one day and was told a critical component of the chemo cocktail that had kept his metastatic cancer in check for two-and-a-half years was unavailable.

Exparel Approved for Post-Surgery Pain

Exparel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat post-surgical pain, maker Pacira Pharmaceuticals said Monday.