Health News

Health News for 03/09/12

March 09, 2012

Keeping Young Athletes Safe From Sexual Abuse

Parents who want to protect their kids from sexual abuse need to reassess the notion of "stranger danger" -- the belief that children should be on guard around strangers because they're most likely to be molested by someone unknown to them, experts say.

Health Tip: Protect Yourself From Heart Disease

The most common type of heart disease occurs when fatty plaque deposits build up on the walls of vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the heart.

Health Tip: Minimize Breastfeeding Pain

Breast-feeding can be painful or uncomfortable, but there are things moms can do to make it a more pleasant experience.

Spring Ahead Without Losing Too Much Sleep

Losing an hour of sleep isn't easy for anyone, but there are ways to make springing ahead during daylight saving time easier, an expert says.

Drug Seems to Speed Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury

A drug that's typically used to treat the flu and Parkinson's disease appears to speed recovery in traumatic brain injury patients, a new study indicates.

Coming Soon: At-Home Sperm Test for Couples Trying to Conceive

Women who are trying to conceive often use at-home products such as ovulation predictors and pregnancy tests, but the newest do-it-yourself test to help couples have a baby is for their male partners: A 10-minute test that can determine if a man's sperm count is normal or not.

Aggressive Care Best for Brain Trauma, Study Shows

Aggressive treatment of patients with traumatic brain injury improves chances of recovery and reduces long-term care costs, according to a new study.

Kids Who Bully May Be More Likely to Smoke, Drink

Middle and high school students who bully their classmates are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana than other students, according to a new study.

Survey Shows People Have Little Time for Healthy Habits

Lack of time seems to be the key reason why only 12 percent of American adults regularly practice such healthy habits as eating right, exercising, and brushing and flossing their teeth, according to an American Heart Association (AHA) survey.

EKG Testing May Spot Fatal Heart Conditions in Children

Each year, between one and six of every 100,000 U.S. children are a victim of sudden cardiac death. In many of these cases, underlying, undiagnosed heart trouble is responsible, and a new study suggests that routine mass electrocardiogram (EKG) screening could help identify these problems earlier, and potentially save children's lives.

Researchers ID Gene for Neck Disorder

The first gene linked to an often painful neck disorder has been identified by researchers.

When Unneeded, Induced Labor May Increase Complications

Inducing labor when it's not necessary increases the risk of cesarean section delivery and other childbirth complications, a new study says.

Mother's Voice May Help Premature Babies Breathe Easier

Premature babies are less likely to stop breathing or have their heart rate slow dangerously when listening to recordings of their mother's heartbeat and voice, a small new study finds.

One in Four HIV Patients Has Long Gaps Between Doctor's Visits: Study

Approximately one in four HIV patients in the United States doesn't remain in care consistently, and more than half have long gaps between medical appointments, a new study finds.

Rheumatoid Arthritis May Raise Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder

People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study finds.

Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85?

Medical experts have long known that obesity can take years off your life, but a new Israeli study suggests that if you're lucky enough to reach your mid-80s, carrying some extra pounds might actually help you live longer.

Lost Hour of Sleep Over Weekend May Put Heart at Risk Monday

Not only do you lose an hour of sleep after the clocks move ahead to daylight-saving time this weekend, but you also may be at increased risk for a heart attack, a heart expert claims.

LSD Might Help Alcoholics Quit, Stay Abstinent: Study

The hallucinogenic drug LSD may help treat alcoholism, new research suggests.

Health Highlights: March 9, 2012

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

FDA OKs 3rd Silicone-Gel Breast Implant

A new silicone-gel breast implant received conditional approval Friday from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The implant can be used for breast augmentation in women 22 and older and for breast tissue reconstruction at any age.

New Silicone Breast Implant Approved

Sientra Inc.'s silicone gel-filled breast implant has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for breast reconstruction or augmentation in women aged 22 or older, the agency said Friday in a news release.