Health News

Health News for 04/25/12

April 25, 2012

Aromatherapy: More Than Just a Pleasant Scent?

Aromatherapy is beginning to enter the medical mainstream, with groups as diverse as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs touting the use of fragrance as a therapy that can complement traditional health care.

Health Tip: Stress Fracture of the Foot

The bones of your feet are designed to absorb the weight and energy of the rest of your moving body. But when nearby muscles are overused and can no longer absorb the shock of running, jogging or playing sports, for example, your foot may develop a stress fracture.

Health Tip: When Seniors Are Malnourished

Older people are particularly prone to malnutrition because of chronic disease, having to live on a fixed income, or the unmet need to provide their aging bodies with the proper vitamins and nutrients.

Poor Sleep Heightens 'Ringing Ear' Disease Symptoms: Study

For people with tinnitus, which features chronic ringing, buzzing, hissing or clicking in the head and ears, poor sleep makes it even more difficult to cope with the condition, researchers have found.

Leaded Gas Exposure Linked to Later Violence: Study

Urban areas contaminated decades ago by airborne lead dust now face an increased incidence of aggravated assault, according to a new study.

New Techniques May Improve Infant Heart Surgery

Two new monitoring techniques may provide early warnings about possible brain damage in children as they undergo surgery for heart defects, researchers report.

Heroin Addicts Have Higher Pain Sensitivity, Even During Treatment

Heroin addicts often have an increased sensitivity to pain, and this sensitivity does not subside over the course of treatment with methadone or other opioids, new research finds.

Early Menopause Tied to Osteoporosis in 29-Year Study

Women who go through menopause early are almost twice as likely to have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis later in life, new research indicates.

Has the 'G-Spot' Been Confirmed at Last?

So, what does the "G" stand for in G-spot? Maybe it's "G" as in Holy Grail, because a Florida gynecologist contends that he has finally found it.

Life Transitions May Trigger Eating Disorders

A lack of support following traumatic life events such as relationship problems, the loss of a loved one, abuse and sexual assault can trigger eating disorders, a small new study finds.

Donor Kidney Re-Used in Second Patient After Failing in First

In a groundbreaking medical report, U.S. doctors describe a case where a kidney transplanted into one patient had to be removed but was then successfully transplanted into another patient.

Stopping Blood Thinners Raises Stroke Risk for Patients With Irregular Heartbeat

When patients with atrial fibrillation stop taking anti-clotting drugs, their stroke risk goes up quickly, new research finds.

Air Quality Improving in Many U.S. Cities: Report

Air quality in America's most polluted cities has improved significantly over the past decade, according to a new report from the American Lung Association.

Health Highlights: April 25, 2012

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

Warnings on Cigarette Packs May Keep Ex-Smokers From Relapse

Warnings on cigarette packages about the health hazards of smoking can help deter many ex-smokers from lighting up again, a new international study finds.

Many Who First Misuse Prescription Pills Get Them From Friends, Family: Report

A new U.S. government analysis shows that more than 70 percent of people who first misuse prescription medications get those pills from their friends or relatives.

Experimental Drug Eases Autistic Behaviors in Mice

An experimental drug reduced two signature characteristics of autism -- repetitive behavior and abnormal social interactions -- in laboratory mice, new research finds.

Low-Radiation CT Scans Effective at Spotting Appendicitis: Study

Lower levels of radiation during CT scans could be just as effective for diagnosing appendicitis as the standard radiation dose, according to a new study from South Korea.