Health News

Health News for 12/23/11

December 23, 2011

How to Survive the Holiday Eating Season

Lots of folks don't think about what they eat over the holiday season until January, when they stare sadly at the number on the scale and then trudge off to hit the gym, join Weight Watchers or pick up the latest fad diet book.

Cancer Survivors Should Take Steps to Keep Healthy During Holidays

The holiday season can be especially meaningful for cancer survivors, but they need to take steps to ensure they stay healthy through this often hectic and stressful time.

Keeping Kids Warm, Dry and Safe in Cold Weather

You winterize your house and car, and you need to do the same with your children, an expert suggests.

Health Tip: Prevent Falls During Holiday Decorating

Whether you're decorating your home or climbing to stash holiday packages, take care to avoid falls.

Health Tip: Use Medications Safely

If your child isn't feeling well and needs an over-the-counter medication recommended by your pediatrician, the American Academy of Family Physicians offers these safety guidelines:

Holiday Travel Tips for People With Diabetes

If you have diabetes and plan on traveling this holiday season, there are certain things you need to do to safeguard your health, says a University of Alabama at Birmingham expert.

Scientists Ponder Santa's High-Tech Secrets

You'd better watch out: Santa Claus has a good grasp on quantum theory, genetic engineering and the space-time continuum.

Many VA Patients Would Share Personal Health Records, Study Finds

A new study says many patients are willing to share their personal health records with others, a finding that surprised the researchers.

Overweight 7-Year-Olds Face Higher Risk of Asthma

Children who are overweight or obese during early childhood have a greater risk of having asthma at age 8 than normal-weight kids, a new study finds.

Toddlers Don't Seem to Listen to Own Voices to Correct Speech

Unlike adults and older children, toddlers do not listen to the sound of their voice to correct their speech, a new study finds.

Fears of Divorce May Be Keeping Many Young Couples From Marriage: Study

Fears about the emotional, financial, social and legal consequences of divorce explain why the percentage of married adults in the United States has reached an all-time low, researchers report.

Hay Fever Symptoms Worse in Spring Than Summer: Study

Hay fever symptoms -- itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose -- are worse in the spring than summer even when pollen counts are the same, according to a new report.

Parents May Hold Key to Healthy Weight in Hispanic Kids

Parents of overweight Hispanic children are willing to make food and lifestyle changes that will benefits their kids' health, a new study suggests.

Obesity Linked to Higher Esophageal Cancer Death Rates

Obese people who have had surgery to treat esophageal cancer are twice as likely to have a recurrence of the disease or die from cancer within five years as patients of normal weight, according to a new study.

Breast Cancer Patients Face More Imaging Tests Today

Women with breast cancer undergo many more imaging tests between diagnosis and surgery than they did in the early 1990s, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: Dec. 23, 2011

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