Health News

Health News for 11/16/11

November 16, 2011

Health Tip: Using a Pedometer

A pedometer measures the amount of steps you take while walking or running. The size of a small portable phone, it attaches to a belt or waistband.

Health Tip: Why Antibiotic Resistance Is Serious

Antibiotic resistance occurs when a bacterium mutates and becomes immune to the effects of a specific antibiotic.

Healthy Heart Habits May Also Guard Against Cancer

People who are diligent about keeping their heart healthy have a good chance of staving off cancer as well, researchers report.

Women, Younger Men Under-Treated Before Heart Attack: Study

Women and younger men account for a large number of heart attacks in the United States but are less likely than older men to receive preventive medications that lower heart attack risk, a new study indicates.

Blood Type May Be Associated With Stroke Risk: Study

People with certain blood types may be at heightened risk for stroke, a new study suggests.

Older ER Patients Less Likely to Get Pain Meds, Data Shows

Elderly patients are less likely than middle-aged patients to receive pain medications in U.S. hospital emergency departments, even when they have severe pain.

Even Without Weight Loss, Mediterranean Diet Helps Heart: Study

A new study offers further evidence that a Mediterranean-style diet is good for your heart.

Women More Prone to 'Broken Heart' Syndrome: Study

Broken heart syndrome -- a temporary heart condition brought on by extreme physical or emotional stress -- occurs overwhelmingly in women compared to men, a new study suggests.

Losing Weight May Help Fight Gum Disease

Losing weight appears to help fight gum disease, a new study indicates.

Side Effects May Spur Men to Drop Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

One in five male breast cancer patients stops taking the drug tamoxifen early due to side effects caused by the medicine and may be at increased risk for cancer recurrence, new research suggests.

Gene Linked to Separation Anxiety

Scientists who identified a gene linked to separation anxiety say their finding could lead to more targeted treatments for anxiety disorders.

Drug-Coated Balloons Open Arteries Blocked by Narrowed Stents

Balloons coated with a drug used to open blocked stents in heart arteries restore blood flow and also reduce bleeding in some high-risk patients, new research shows.

Smokeout Day: The Best Ways to Quit

As thousands of smokers across the United States try to kick their bad habit as part of the Great American Smokeout on Thursday, experts agree that a two-pronged strategy is the best bet for success.

Outlook Good for Obese Kids Who Lose Weight

Most overweight and obese children are on a path to becoming obese adults at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease, a new study finds.

Southeast U.S. Still Using High Levels of Antibiotics, Study Shows

Overall outpatient use of antibiotics in the United States fell about 12 percent between 1999 and 2007, but alarmingly high use in the Southeast could speed the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers warn.

Health Highlights: Nov. 16, 2011

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

One in 12 Teens Engages in Self-Harm: Report

One in 12 teens deliberately harm themselves, but 90 percent give up the behavior by the time they're young adults, a new study shows.

Jakafi Approved for Rare Bone-Marrow Disease

Jakafi (ruxolitinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first drug to treat myelofibrosis, a rare disease of the bone marrow, the agency said Wednesday.

Newer Drug Seems Better at Controlling Lupus Kidney Complication

A newer immune-suppressing drug called mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) is better at controlling a serious kidney complication from lupus than another commonly used therapy, a new study suggests.