Health News

Health News for 12/28/11

December 28, 2011

In High-Tech Age, the Good Old Letter Still Holds Sway

Instant communication may be all the rage, but old-fashioned letter-writing may have a more beneficial lasting effect on recipients.

Eating Disorders Can Last Well Beyond Teen Years

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are typically thought to be diseases of young women and men. But researchers are finding that the personal demons that drive a young person to an eating disorder may linger into adulthood.

Know the Signs of Alzheimer's

Knowing the warning signs of Alzheimer's disease is important because it may lead to an early diagnosis, experts say.

States Crack Down on Drunk Drivers This Holiday Season

State highway safety offices are setting up sobriety checkpoints and beefing up road patrols through Monday, Jan. 2, in an effort to target drunk driving.

Health Tip: Burned Out at Work?

While some stress on the job can help you stay on top of things, too much stress can lead to burnout.

Health Tip: Wear Your Seat Belt During Pregnancy

Wearing a seat belt is particularly important during pregnancy, when you're protecting for two.

Columbus Voyage Tied to Syphilis Spread?

A new examination of the origin of syphilis supports the theory that the sexually transmitted disease was carried to Europe aboard Christopher Columbus' ships as they sailed home from the New World.

Fungus Found in Sinks Can Cause Serious Infections

Disease-causing strains of the fungus Fusarium are present in bathroom sink drains, which may be a common source of infection in humans, according to a new study.

Some 'Gluten-Free' Beers Really Aren't: Study

Regular beer and even some brands of beer labeled "low-gluten" contain high levels of gluten and could cause problems for people with celiac disease, a new study says.

Vitamins, Omega-3s May Keep Brain From Shrinking: Study

Older adults with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B, C, D and E in their blood performed better on certain measures of thinking abilities, and also tended to have larger brain volume, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: Dec. 28, 2011

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

Cases of Tamiflu-Resistant Flu Concern Experts

World Health Organization researchers are reporting an apparent spike in Australia in the number of seasonal influenza cases resistant to Tamiflu, the most commonly used antiviral drug.

Avastin May Help Some With Ovarian Cancer: Studies

Two new studies suggest that the drug Avastin may lengthen progression-free survival by about four months for women with ovarian cancer.

Doubt Cast on Use of Genetic Test Before Plavix

A new review of existing research suggests that, despite a federal recommendation, genetic testing won't help physicians determine which heart patients should get Plavix, a blood-thinning drug used to treat certain cardiac conditions.

Adding Lovenox Didn't Reduce Blood Clot Death Risk in Study

Severely ill hospital patients are at high risk for developing potentially fatal blood clots, and often wear compression stockings and/or take blood thinners to help lower this risk.

U.S. Doctors Behind Face Transplants Give Details of Procedure

Full face transplants were once the stuff of science fiction, but not anymore.