Health News

Health News for 11/07/11

November 07, 2011

Health Tip: Recognizing Symptoms of Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia, the medical term for high blood sugar, is a prime cause of complications among people with diabetes.

Health Tip: Dealing With a Picky Eater

It may be difficult to ensure that a finicky toddler is getting all necessary nutrients. Experts say parents should be persistent in offering a variety of healthy foods.

Health Tip: How to Keep Anger in Check

Anger, while a normal emotion, can quickly spin into something more if not controlled.

Alcohol, Asthma and Allergies Don't Mix

Alcoholic beverages can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing allergies, experts warn.

Even Homes Without Pets Have Pet Allergens

By taking steps to reduce pet allergens in their homes, pet owners can reduce the spread of pet allergens to people who may be allergic, experts say.

'Food Challenges' Provide Best Allergy Diagnoses: Study

Too few American doctors use oral food challenges to diagnose food allergies even though this type of test is considered the gold standard, according to a new study.

Home Environment Affects Asthmatic Kids

Children with asthma who live in single-parent homes are 50 percent more likely to return to the hospital for treatment within a year than those who live in two-parent homes, a new study finds.

Text Message Reminders Prompt Kids to Take Asthma Medicine

Text message reminders help children -- but not teenagers -- stick with their asthma medication schedule, a new study finds.

Runners Can Relax About Holiday Feasting: Study

Good news for high-mileage runners: They may be able to help themselves to an extra serving at holiday meals because variations in diet are less likely to affect them, researcher say.

Studies Suggest Link Between Smog, Joint Disease

Exposure to certain types of air pollution is associated with an increased risk for the painful joint disease known as rheumatoid arthritis, new research suggests.

Pregnancy Safe for Most Women With Lupus: Study

Pregnancy is safe for most women with stable lupus, a new study indicates.

People Seem More Likely to Follow Rules They Can't Beat

People who believe a rule or restriction is absolute are more likely to accept it than those who think the rule has some wiggle room, according to a new study.

Knee Arthritis Striking at Younger Ages, But Weight Loss May Help

Arthritis of the knee is striking Americans at younger ages, new research has found, but shedding a few pounds if you're overweight may reduce your risk.

Air Fresheners, Scented Candles May Spur Allergic Reactions

Pumpkin spice candles and pine-scented air fresheners may evoke the holiday season for some. For others, those airborne fragrances trigger allergy symptoms -- from runny, itchy noses and sneezing to asthma attacks.

When Dads Have Depression, Kids May Be at Risk, Too

Children of fathers who seem depressed are more likely to show signs of behavioral and emotional problems, although the nature of the link isn't clear, researchers report.

Experts Debate Tylenol's Safety for Asthmatic Kids

Taken in the proper dose, acetaminophen has long been considered one of the safest over-the-counter medications. It's approved for use in children, and many obstetricians are even OK with its use during pregnancy.

Vitamin D, Interferon Alpha Vaccine Show Promise Against Lupus

Two experimental treatments take aim at the destructive immune response believed to cause lupus, according to new research presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting.

Specialized Warm-Up May Reduce Girls' Knee Injuries

Neuromuscular warm-ups may reduce knee injuries among female high school athletes, a new study indicates.

New Drug Shows Promise Against Huntington's Disease

An investigational drug called pridopidine seems an effective and safe treatment for people with the progressive movement disorder Huntington's disease, researchers report.

Where a Child Is Tested May Affect Autism Diagnosis

Whether health professionals diagnose a child with autism or with a milder form of the neurodevelopmental disorder such as Asperger syndrome isn't determined only by the child's symptoms, but by where the child is assessed, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: Nov. 7, 2011

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

More Than a Third of Teens Turning to Alcohol, Drugs: Study

MONDAY, Nov. 7 (HealthDay News) - More than a third of American teenagers are turning to alcohol or drugs, with 32 percent saying they drink, 19 percent saying they use drugs and 15 percent saying they do both, a new study shows.

Scientific Brilliance Doesn't Always Peak Young

The image of the brilliant young scientist making groundbreaking discoveries is iconic, especially in the fields of physics, chemistry and math.

School Soda Bans Don't Keep Kids From Sugary Drinks

Laws that specifically ban sugar-rich sodas in schools -- but not other high-calorie drinks -- do not reduce consumption of these obesity-generating beverages, a new study shows.

Judge Blocks FDA Plan for Graphic Cigarette Warnings

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's plans to require graphic warning labels on cigarette packs was derailed temporarily Monday when a federal judge blocked the effort, suggesting it was a violation of the tobacco industry's First Amendment free-speech rights.

Erbitux Approval Expanded to Include Head and Neck Cancer

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of Erbitux (cetuximab) has been expanded to include late-stage (metastatic) head and neck cancer, the agency announced Monday.