Health News

Health News for 01/05/12

January 05, 2012

Chronic Heartburn a Growing Problem in U.S.

Heartburn and acid reflux strike many people as an annoying and painful but ultimately harmless problem -- a result of overindulgence and gluttony that must be endured, much like a hangover after a night of drinking.

Have Heartburn? Get Help

Susan Schneck began suffering from frequent, painful heartburn in 1998.

Health Tip: When Aggressive Behavior Signals a Problem

Children may act out in an aggressive way because they're frustrated or just don't know how to express their emotions. But there are times when it's wise for a parent to call the pediatrician during an aggressive outburst.

Health Tip: Is it Time to Potty Train?

It's important to start potty training at the right time -- not before your child is ready.

New Guidelines Issued for Combining HIV, Seizure Meds

Physicians need to take care when prescribing seizure medication to HIV/AIDS patients to prevent harmful interactions between drugs, experts warn.

Heart Failure, Diabetes Might Be Linked by Protein

Researchers may have pinpointed how heart disease can lead to diabetes, a finding that could lead to new preventive treatments.

Blood Test May Reveal Child's Sex Soon After Conception

New research suggests that a blood test may one day be able to tell expectant mothers the gender of their baby as early as the first trimester.

Missed Naps Could Put Toddlers at Risk for Mood Disorders

Toddlers who miss daytime naps may be at increased risk for mood disorders later in life, a new study indicates.

Antibiotics in Pregnancy May Shield Newborns From Strep B

Giving antibiotics to pregnant women at risk of streptococcus B infection greatly reduces infection rates in newborns, according to a new study.

Like Babies, Dogs Pick Up on People's Intent

Man's beloved four-legged friends not only respond to the words and ministrations of humans, dogs can understand and anticipate the intentions of their people, researchers are reporting.

Many Teen Girls Mistakenly Think HPV Vaccines Cut Risk for All STDs

Nearly one in four girls who gets the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine mistakenly thinks that her risk of getting other sexually transmitted diseases is lowered, a new study indicates.

Health Highlights: Jan. 5, 2012

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

Flu Prevention Critical for Those With Neurologic Conditions, CDC Says

Children and young adults with neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions are at high risk for complications from the flu and should receive flu vaccinations, say health officials who investigated a flu outbreak in Ohio in February 2011.

Many Jails Got No Flu Shots During H1N1 Outbreak: CDC

More than half of U.S. jails didn't receive any vaccine to protect inmates during the 2009-10 outbreak of H1N1 swine flu, a new study says.

Drug Eases Gout Flare-ups in Some Patients: Study

Preliminary findings suggest a drug used to treat another disease might also reduce painful flare-ups in gout patients starting new medication regimens.

Experts Endorse Lower Lead-Poisoning Threshold

Pediatric health experts are applauding a U.S. advisory panel's recommendation to lower the threshold for toxic lead exposure in children.

Scientists Create First Monkeys With Mixed Genomes

By gluing together cells from different genomes to form mixed embryos, researchers revealed they have created the world's first chimeric monkeys.

Mental Decline Can Start at 45, Study Finds

Sorry, Boomers, but a new study suggests that memory, reasoning and comprehension can start to slip as early as age 45.

Could Daily Aspirin Harm Seniors' Eyes?

Daily aspirin use among seniors may double their risk of developing a particularly advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, a debilitating eye disease, a large new European study suggests.