Health News

Health News for 02/13/12

February 13, 2012

Home Oxygen Could Raise Burn Risk: Experts

Use of home oxygen in the United States has risen over the past decade, which has led to an increase in the number of patients with medical oxygen-related burn injuries, according to experts at the Burn Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Handling Divorce May Be Easier Later in Life

Getting divorced at a younger age causes more harm to health than getting divorced later in life, perhaps because older people have more coping skills to deal with the stress of divorce, a new study suggests.

Health Tip: If You're Diabetic and Pregnant

It can take a "village" to help care for you and your baby during pregnancy, especially if you are diabetic.

Health Tip: Chewing Tobacco Harms Oral Health

Chewing tobacco contains at least 28 toxins that are known to cause cancer, the American Dental Association says.

Exercise a Defense Against Dementia: Study

Here's another reason to get into shape: Physical activity may reduce the risk of dementia-related death, according to a new study.

Wider Waistlines Linked to Memory Problems in HIV Patients

HIV-positive patients with larger waistlines may be at greater risk for memory problems, according to a new study. Exposure to combinations of certain anti-HIV drugs could play a role in this reduced mental function, researchers said.

Screening by Primary-Care Doctors May Spot Dementia

Routine screening at primary care clinics led to a two- to threefold increase in diagnoses of brain-function impairments such as dementia in older veterans, researchers say.

More Young Adults Get Health Care When They Can Stay on Parents' Plans

Young adults in states that allow them to stay on their parents' health insurance until age 26 have better access to health care, according to a new study.

Radiation After Lung Cancer Surgery Doesn't Help All: Study

For older people with a certain type and stage of lung cancer, administering radiation treatment after surgery may not extend survival, according to a new study.

Concerns Over Kids' Shut-Eye an Age-Old Problem

With televisions, computers, cellphones, school work and extracurricular activities, parents worry that their kids are so busy that they aren't getting enough sleep.

Mediterranean Diet Might Be Healthier for Brain

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet appears to reduce damage to small blood vessels in the brain, a new study says.

Higher Cancer Rate Seen in Children With Juvenile Arthritis

The cancer rate in children with juvenile arthritis is four times higher than in other children, a new study says.

Overeating May Double Risk of Memory Loss: Study

Older people who eat too much are at risk for memory impairment, a new study contends.

Mom's Vitamin D Levels Linked to Language Problems in Kids

Pregnant women with low levels of vitamin D may be putting their children at risk for language difficulties, Australian researchers report.

Health Highlights: Feb. 13, 2012

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

Smog May Harm Women's Brains: Study

A lifetime's exposure to air pollution may contribute to mental decline in older women, a new study says.

No Cancer Benefit From Vitamin B, Omega-3 Supplements in Heart Patients

Patients with a history of heart disease will most likely not reduce their risk for developing cancer by taking vitamin B and/or omega-3 fatty acid supplements, a new French analysis suggests.

Stem Cell Treatment Might Reverse Heart Attack Damage

Stem cell therapy's promise for healing damaged tissues may have gotten a bit closer to reality. In a small, early study, heart damage was reversed in heart-attack patients treated with their own cardiac stem cells, researchers report.

Zioptan Eyedrops Approved for Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension

Merck's Zioptan drops (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to lower pressure within the eye among people with high blood pressure of the eye (ocular hypertension) or open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease.