Health News

Health News for 11/02/11

November 02, 2011

Older Americans Encouraged to Get Fit

A new fitness campaign for older Americans has been introduced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Health Tip: Sleep Soundly During Pregnancy

Getting plenty of sleep is important during pregnancy, but those inevitable physical changes while you're pregnant can make sleep uncomfortable.

Health Tip: What Triggers Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of intestinal bloating, irregularity, gasiness, and cramps. While it has no known organic cause, the condition may be aggravated by emotional stress and other typical factors.

Modern Technology Reveals Clues From Egyptian Mummy

Researchers using modern medical technology to examine an Egyptian mummy have so far determined that it was a child of a wealthy family from the Roman period in Egypt around 100 A.D.

Sports Fans Remember Victories Better Than Defeats: Study

You're more likely to remember the games that your favorite teams win rather than the ones they lose, a new study says.

Obese Women Face Higher Complication Risk After Breast Surgery

Obese women who undergo elective breast surgery, such as a breast reduction or reconstruction, are nearly 12 times more likely than non-obese women to have complications following their operation, according to a new study.

Teen Pot Use Unaffected by Medical Marijuana Law: Study

The legalization of medical marijuana in some states has raised concerns that it will increase the availability and appeal of the drug among youth, but new research suggests no such link.

It's Possible to Come Down With Two Flu Viruses at Once

A rare occurrence of people becoming infected with seasonal and pandemic flu strains at the same time has been confirmed by researchers.

Overweight Teens Don't Seem to Grasp Weight Loss Rules

Obese teens who want to lose weight may not be going about it in the most healthy or effective ways, according to new research.

Hospital Rooms Crawling With Drug-Resistant Germs: Study

Nearly half of 50 hospital rooms tested by researchers were colonized or infected with a multidrug-resistant bacteria, a new study says.

Health Highlights: Nov. 2, 2011

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

Teen 'Sexting' Common and Linked to Psychological Woes

Some Boston parents might be in for a rude awakening: 13 percent of area high school students say they've received "sext" messages and one in 10 has either forwarded, sent or posted sexually suggestive, explicit or nude photos or videos of people they know by cellphone or online.

No Such Thing as the 'Freshman 15,' Study Finds

Although many college students are wary of gaining the dreaded "freshman 15," most only put on between 2.5 to 3.5 pounds during their first year in college, a new study shows.

Radiation Plus Hormone Therapy Extends Life in High-Risk Prostate Cancer

A combination of radiation and hormone therapy prolongs survival among men whose cancer has spread beyond the prostate, Canadian and U.K. researchers report.

MelaFind Device Approved to Detect Melanoma

MelaFind -- a device that creates digital images of suspicious skin growths and compares them to a database of thousands of scans to analyze for signs of melanoma skin cancer -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

New Drug Targets Underlying Cause of Cystic Fibrosis

A new drug that targets a faulty protein that causes cystic fibrosis led to improved lung function and fewer symptoms in people with the lung disease, researchers report.

Using Drug for Prevention Might Help in Hard-to-Treat Hemophilia

A compound currently used to stop bleeding episodes in a subset of hard-to-treat hemophilia patients also seems to be effective in preventing bleeds before they start.

Clearing Out 'Old Cells' Might Make for Healthier Old Age

Sweeping away the body's old cells may help delay age-related health woes and give more pep to old age, a new study in mice suggests.

Device Approved to Remedy Abdominal Aneurysms

A device that helps repair abdominal aneurysms in people with small arteries has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Death Toll From Listeria Outbreak Hits 29

The death toll in the listeria outbreak traced to cantaloupes produced at a Colorado farm has reached 29, with another 139 people sickened in 28 states, U.S. officials said late Tuesday.