Health News

Health News for 04/18/12

April 18, 2012

Health Tip: Help Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries

The feet and ankles, supporting the weight of the rest of your body, are prime targets for painful injuries. But many can be prevented.

Health Tip: Seniors Need Their Nutrients

Everyone should eat a healthy, balanced and nutrient-rich diet, especially seniors, who have special nutritional needs.

College Athletes in Low-Contact Sports Have More Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries account for nearly 30 percent of injuries suffered by college athletes, and 62 percent of such injuries occur in female athletes, a new study finds.

Anxiety Linked to Smarts in Brain Study

Worrying may have co-evolved with intelligence as an important survival trait in humans, new research suggests.

More Smog Might Mean More Hospitalizations

Long-term exposure to fine-particle air pollution may increase older adults' risk of being hospitalized for lung and heart disease, stroke and diabetes, a new study says.

Experimental Gel May Help Those With Advanced Parkinson's

A gel form of two common Parkinson's drugs delivered via a feeding tube-like device may help people with advanced disease reduce medication side effects and possibly avoid brain surgery.

Many Call Center Workers Plagued by Voice Woes

Voice problems affect one in four call center workers, a new study finds.

Optimism Might Cut Your Risk for Heart Attack

Being upbeat is good for your heart, a new study suggests.

Women With Older Partners More Often Admitted to Nursing Homes

Women are more likely than men to be admitted to a nursing home because they're often married to older men who can't provide care at home due to age-related physical problems, a new study finds.

Chemo + Radiation Best for Bladder Cancer, Study Finds

The addition of two well-tolerated chemotherapy drugs to radiation therapy led to significantly longer survival rates among patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

No Proof That Gum Disease Causes Heart Disease, Experts Say

A new scientific statement issued by the American Heart Association says no convincing evidence exists linking untreated gum disease to heart disease or stroke. Nor is there strong evidence that treating gum disease can reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke, the report says.

Researchers Repair Damage Caused by Heart Attacks in Mice

Scientists report they were able to repair mouse hearts that were damaged by heart attacks.

Everyday Activities Might Lower Alzheimer's Risk

New research suggests that elderly people who move around more -- even gardening or puttering around the house -- are less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than more sedentary seniors.

Half of Young Cigarette Smokers Also Smoke Pot: Survey

More young cigarette smokers may also be lighting up joints than was previously thought, a new study finds.

Health Highlights: April 18, 2012

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

Warren Buffett Has Early Stage Prostate Cancer

U.S. billionaire investor Warren Buffett says he has prostate cancer and will undergo radiation treatment in the coming months.

When Does Boxing-Related Head Trauma Become Too Much?

Professional fighters may hit a threshold -- a specific number of fights and years in the ring -- where they can no longer take blows to the head without brain damage, a new study suggests.

Use of Ecstasy, Speed by Teens Tied to Later Depression

Teens who use the party drugs ecstasy (MDMA) and speed (methamphetamine and/or amphetamine) appear to face a notably higher risk of depression afterward, new Canadian research suggests.

EPA to Cut Air Pollution from Natural Gas 'Fracking'

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday issued the first national standards to curb air pollution linked with the controversial practice of "fracking."