Health News

Health News for 04/20/12

April 20, 2012

For Some, Glaucoma Strikes at a Young Age

Though only 15 when diagnosed with juvenile open-angle glaucoma, A.J. Esguerra said he's tried not to let the potentially devastating eye disease slow him down.

Glaucoma Need Not Steal Sight, Experts Say

Though glaucoma has been nicknamed the silent thief of sight, eye experts now say it generally doesn't have to be that way.

Health Tip: When Your Child is Stressed

Stress is a fact of life, and children are no less immune than their parents.

Health Tip: Consider Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a fun way to burn calories and tone muscles. But experts say participants, especially beginners, should take precautions to avoid injury.

Lower Risk for Bowel Obstruction With Less Invasive Surgery: Study

Patients are much more likely to develop small-bowel obstruction after abdominal or pelvic surgery if they have open surgery rather than minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, a new study finds.

Depression Linked to Higher Odds for Poor Leg Circulation

Depressed people may be at higher risk for the debilitating circulatory condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), a new study suggests.

Joint-Replacement Failure Rate Higher for Smokers: Studies

Knee and hip replacements are more likely to fail in smokers than nonsmokers, according to two new studies.

Half-Siblings of Those With Autism at Raised Risk for Disorder: Study

Half-siblings of children with autism are at increased risk for the disorder, according to a recent study that provides new genetic clues about autism.

Long MP3 Playlists Lead to Distracted Drivers

Searching for a favorite song on your MP3 player in the car can lead to distracted driving, researchers say.

Could Your Personality Be Reflected in Your Pooch?

The breed of dog a person chooses may mirror his or her own personality and outlook, a new study suggests.

Men More Prone to Complications After Brain, Spine Surgery

Men are twice as likely as women to have complications after brain or spinal surgery, and also spend more time in the hospital after the operation, a new study finds.

Value of Metformin, Insulin Combo for Type 2 Diabetes Questioned

It's not clear whether patients with type 2 diabetes gain any long-term benefit from taking the blood sugar-lowering drug metformin and insulin together rather than insulin alone.

U.S. Children Exposed to Hours of Background TV Daily

American children are being exposed to background TV for nearly four hours every day, new research finds.

Talking to Yourself Could Have Mental Benefits

People who talk to themselves while searching for specific objects may be able to find them faster, researchers say.

Bedbugs Can Infest Your Office, Too

Add bedbugs to your list of potential occupational health hazards. A new report reveals nearly half of the employees of a U.S. government office in Tennessee were bitten by the blood-thirsty invaders while at work.

'Catastrophic' Head Injuries to High School Football Players Rising

High school and youth football players sustained 14 brain injuries with long-lasting damage in 2011 -- the highest number in more than 25 years -- and this is a "major problem," a new report claims.

Childhood Obesity May Raise Odds of Adult Liver Cancer

Adults who were obese as children are at increased risk for liver cancer, a new study suggests.

Health Highlights: April 20, 2012

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

U.S. Gives Green Light to Publish Controversial Bird Flu Research

The U.S. government is giving the go-ahead for publication of two controversial studies into the H5N1 avian (bird) flu virus, a top federal health official announced Friday.