Health News

Health News for 05/04/12

May 04, 2012

A Heart Disease Veteran at Just Age 12

Even youngsters who seem to be in perfect health can be at risk for heart disease. Just ask Heather Link.

Today's Kids May Be Destined for Adult Heart Disease

No longer an adults-only issue, heart health has become increasingly problematic for American children.

Health Tip: Make TV Time Exercise Time

You don't have to give up television watching just to lead a more active lifestyle.

Health Tip: Managing a Hammertoe

A hammertoe occurs when the toe muscle bends the toe at the first joint, making the side view of the toe resemble an upside down "v".

Obese Drivers Less Likely to Buckle Up: Study

Obese drivers are less likely than normal-weight drivers to use their seat belts, a new study shows.

Attitude May Be Key to Overweight Girls' Risk of Depression

Overweight teen girls who are happy with their size and shape have higher levels of self-esteem, are less likely to be depressed and are less prone to unhealthy behaviors than those who don't like their bodies, researchers say.

Rising Obesity Rates Might Mean More Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study suggests that severe weight gain might raise the risk for rheumatoid arthritis -- a painful, chronic ailment -- especially among obese women.

Germs Behind Urinary Tract Infections Becoming More Resistant to Drugs

E. coli bacteria's resistance to ciprofloxacin (Cipro), the most widely prescribed antimicrobial for urinary tract infections in the United States, increased five-fold between 2000 and 2010, according to a new study.

Prenatal Smoking Linked to High-Functioning Autism in Kids

If a woman smokes during pregnancy, it may increase her child's risk of high-functioning autism, a new study suggests.

Swaddling Infants Too Tightly May Cause Hip Problems

When swaddling an infant, make sure to leave the blankets loose enough to allow leg and hip movement, experts say.

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors That May Surprise You

Managing your blood pressure is the most important thing you can do to help lower your risk of stroke, the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, experts say.

Positive Thinking, Persistence Pay Off in Job Search: Study

A study that followed recently unemployed people for five months -- or until they landed a new job -- found that staying positive and being persistent helped people find work sooner.

More College-Educated Women Having Children

An increasing number of college-educated American women in their late 30s and 40s are having children, a new study shows.

Older Lung Cancer Patients Less Likely to Be Treated

A study of seniors with non-small cell lung cancer found that older patients are less likely to receive treatment than younger patients, regardless of their overall health and prognosis.

Screening for Other Health Problems May Aid COPD Survival

People with the often deadly lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, have an increased risk of death if they also have certain types of other health problems, according to new research.

Mammograms Beat Thermography for Breast Cancer Detection: Study

Thermography -- a breast cancer detection method touted by some as a substitute for mammography -- is an unreliable cancer screen, according to new research.

Joggers Live Longer, Study Says

Jogging regularly could add about six years to your life, a new Danish study suggests.

Psychiatric Patients Often Wait Nearly 12 Hours in ER

Patients with mental health emergencies wait an average of 11.5 hours -- nearly half a day -- in hospital emergency departments, and those who are older, uninsured or intoxicated wait even longer, a new study says.

Men's Breast Cancer Often More Deadly, Study Suggests

Breast cancer in men is much less common than it is in women, but it may be more deadly, new research suggests.

Health Highlights: May 4, 2012

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