Health News

Health News for 02/03/12

February 03, 2012

Health Tip: Teach Your Toddler Good Behavior

Toddler tantrums can challenge even the most patient parent, but being firm and consistent can help you discipline your toddler in an effective, loving way.

Health Tip: Prepare for Breast-feeding

Preparations for successful breast-feeding begin during pregnancy.

Smaller Plate Won't Help Your Diet, Research Shows

A smaller plate won't help you eat less, says a new study that challenges a widely held belief.

Epidural Plus Fever in Mom May Raise Risks for Baby

The babies of women who develop an epidural-related fever while in labor are at greater risk of having problems right at birth, including poor muscle tone, breathing difficulties, low Apgar scores and seizures, a new study suggests.

Why Human Brains Are Smarter Than Chimp Brains

Extended synaptic development may explain why humans are intellectually superior to primates, a new study suggests.

Booze and Family History of Colon Cancer a Bad Mix: Study

People who consume a few alcoholic drinks a day and have a family history of colorectal cancer are at increased risk for developing colon cancer, new research suggests.

Map Shows Where in U.S. to Beware of Lyme Disease

Areas in the United States where people have the highest risk of contracting Lyme disease are pinpointed in a new map created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hard Drug Use in Middle Age Could Prove Fatal, Study Finds

People who start using hard drugs -- such as cocaine, opiates and amphetamines -- as young adults and continue to use them into their 50s have a fivefold increased risk of early death, researchers report.

Norovirus Top Cause of Hospital Infection Outbreaks, Says Study

Norovirus was the most common culprit responsible for infection outbreaks in U.S. hospitals in 2008 and 2009, new research finds.

Malaria's Global Death Toll Much Higher Than Thought

Malaria killed 1.2 million people worldwide in 2010, a figure nearly double other estimates, a new study says.

Diabetes Takes Toll on Women's Hearing: Study

Diabetes is associated with hearing loss in women, especially if the blood sugar disease isn't well-controlled, new research indicates.

Questionnaire Could Help Predict Alzheimer's: Study

A series of specific "yes" or "no" questions could help doctors distinguish between people who have normal memory loss that comes with age and those with a condition known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study.

Many Stroke Victims Still Don't Get Treated Fast Enough: Study

While a clot-busting medication can often help stop a stroke in its tracks if it's given promptly, a new study finds that a high number of stroke victims continue to fail to get to the emergency room quickly enough to get the drug.

Asthmatic Moms Who Breast-feed May Help Their Children's Lungs

Breast-feeding is associated with improved lung function in school-age children, particularly those with asthmatic mothers, a new study says.

Could a Blood Test Help Spot Depression?

Depression can be a tough condition to diagnose accurately, but new research suggests that someday a blood test might help.

Women Wear Red on Friday to Highlight Heart Health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, according to the American Heart Association, but millions of women are not even aware of their risk because heart disease is often silent and misunderstood.

Health Highlights: Feb. 3, 2012

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

Aspirin, Warfarin Fare Equally for Heart Failure Patients

A major head-to-head trial finds that aspirin is equally as good as warfarin in preventing stroke and death in heart failure patients.

Soy Supplements May Not Shield Against Breast Cancer

Soy supplements do not protect women against breast cancer, a new study suggests.