Health News

Health News for 01/25/12

January 25, 2012

Health Tip: Clean a Wound Carefully

When you get a cut, scrape or minor puncture wound, careful cleaning can help prevent an infection.

Long Shifts May Raise Some Nurses' Odds for Obesity

Nurses who work long hours and have less physically demanding jobs are much more likely to be obese than other nurses, according to a new study.

Neurologists Should Screen Patients for Abuse: Experts

Neurologists should screen their patients for abuse by family members, caregivers or other people, the American Academy of Neurology says in a new position statement.

Kids' Snacks Can Be Healthy and Inexpensive

It's well-documented that healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables tend to cost more than "junk" foods such as chips and cookies, a phenomenon that's often cited as a contributing factor to the U.S. obesity epidemic.

Women Can Take Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Women need to get recommended Pap tests, while girls and young women should be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) to protect them from cervical cancer, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises during Cervical Health Awareness Month.

Lifestyle Counseling Helps Diabetes Patients Control Blood Sugar

Incorporating lifestyle counseling into routine care for diabetes patients significantly reduces the time it takes them to reach their treatment goals, according to a new study.

Many Docs Use Costly MRIs to Diagnose Nerve Condition: Study

Doctors are more likely to use high-cost MRI scans to diagnose peripheral neuropathy than cheaper -- and more effective -- glucose tolerance tests, a new U.S. study has found.

Oldest Known Dinosaur Nesting Site Found

Researchers who found the earliest known dinosaur nesting site say it offers significant clues about the evolution of complex reproductive behavior in early dinosaurs.

Protein That Controls Movement Does the Opposite in Parkinson's

Researchers who identified a protein that worsens symptoms of Parkinson's disease say their finding could eventually lead to new treatments for the neurodegenerative disease.

Frying With Olive, Sunflower Oil OK for Heart, Study Finds

Researchers in Spain have some good news for people who enjoy eating fried food: Cooking in olive or sunflower oil is not linked to heart disease or premature death.

'Inner Dialogue' Might Aid People With Autism

Learning to "talk things through in their head" could help people with autism make plans and complete complex daily tasks, researchers say.

Active Ingredient in Viagra Shrunk Disfiguring Growths in Kids

A new preliminary report suggests that the active ingredient in Viagra, sildenafil, could reduce the size of large growths that can disfigure the bodies of children.

Men at Higher Risk for Mental Decline That Precedes Alzheimer's

Subtle problems with memory and thinking skills -- known as mild cognitive impairment -- often precede Alzheimer's disease, and a new study finds that men are at higher risk for these troubles than women.

Health Highlights: Jan. 25, 2012

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

Optimal Heart Health Starts Early: Study

People who reach midlife without developing high blood pressure, diabetes or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease are much less likely to have a heart attack or stroke by age 80 than their less healthy peers, a new study suggests.

Less Salt, More Veggies in School Lunches: USDA

First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack unveiled on Wednesday new standards for school meals -- the first revisions in more than 15 years. The goal: To provide healthier meals and better nutrition for the nearly 32 million children who take part in school meal programs.

U.S. Soldiers Face Host of Mental Health Issues

U.S. military personnel and veterans are plagued by substance abuse, depression and suicide, three new studies indicate.

Avastin May Be Helpful Before Breast Cancer Surgery

The addition of the cancer-fighting medication Avastin to chemotherapy prior to breast cancer surgery increases the chance that all of the cancer will be removed, according to new research.