Health News

Health News for 04/13/12

April 13, 2012

Even Preschoolers View the Overweight Negatively

Many preschool children have a negative impression of overweight children, a Canadian study suggests.

Obese Workers' Health Care Costs Top Those of Smokers

Obese workers have even higher health costs than smokers, a new study finds.

Health Tip: Have a Safe Picnic

Food poisoning can do more harm to your family picnic than a family of red ants.

Health Tip: When It's Wise to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

Wisdom teeth may not have to be extracted, unless they begin to cause problems.

Single 'Boomers' Struggling as They Age: Study

Single baby boomers generally have poorer health and less money than their married counterparts, a new study says.

'Red Tide' Likely in New England This Season, Experts Warn

A moderate "red tide" is expected in New England this spring and summer that could force the closing of shellfish beds, according to experts.

Even Young Teens Show Signs of Sun Damage

In a new study that used a special type of photography to unveil hidden signs of sun damage, middle schoolers showed evidence of levels of UV exposure that could raise their risk for melanoma later in life.

CT Scans Deliver More Radiation to Obese People: Study

Obese and overweight patients who undergo CT scans are exposed to much more radiation than people of normal weight, researchers say.

Here Are Fruits, Veggies That Offer Best Bang for Your Buck

Studies suggest that eating a diet that contains lots of fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Substance Abusers, Even Recovering Ones, May Face Stigma

People are more likely to disapprove of and avoid substance abusers than those who smoke or are obese, according to a new study.

Researchers Map Brain Regions Linked to Intelligence

The physical architecture of intelligence in the brain has been mapped by scientists who used brain injury patients to conduct their research.

Gay Adults Rejected by Parents Have Worse Health, Study Finds

Receiving emotional support and acceptance from parents benefits the long-term health of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults, a new study shows.

Women Less Apt Than Men to Get Recommended Daily Exercise

American women are less likely than men to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, a new study shows.

Alternative Therapies Aren't Used as Substitutes for Asthma Meds: Study

Almost one in five parents has turned to an alternative or complementary medicine or treatment for their child's asthma, but new research has found that parents are not abandoning traditional treatments in the process.

Mental Illness Tied to Higher Rates of Physical Problems: Report

Adults with mental illness are more likely to have certain types of chronic physical health problems than those without mental illness, according to a U.S. government report released this week.

Health Highlights: April 13, 2012

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

Drug Approved to Treat High Blood Pressure

The high blood pressure drug Toprol XL has been combined with a low-dose diuretic to form Dutoprol (metoprolol succinate extended release/hyrdrochlorothiazide), which has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat high blood pressure.