Health News

Health News for 09/27/12

September 27, 2012

9272012

Health Tip: Don't Combine Medication and Alcohol

If you're on any medication -- even over-the-counter cold medicine -- you should avoid drinking alcohol. The combination of alcohol and medication can be deadly, the National Institute on Aging warns.

Health Tip: Get Some Rest After Giving Birth

While the first weeks after your baby is born are exciting and full of happy moments, they're also exhausting. It's important to get as much rest as possible without pushing yourself too much.

Research Lacking on Drugs for Older Children With Autism, Study Finds

More and more children are growing up with autism, and although many treatments and interventions are now available, clinical studies on the use of medications in teens and young adults are lacking, according to new research.

Antioxidants May Lower Risk of Heart Attack in Women: Study

A diet rich in antioxidants -- especially from fruits and vegetables -- can reduce the risk of heart attack in women, researchers report.

School Debt, Income Gap Push Med Students Away From Primary Care

School debt and income expectations are two main reasons many medical students decide to enter a high-paying specialty instead of becoming primary care doctors, according to a new long-term study.

Complementary Medicine May Help Soldiers With PTSD: Study

Complementary medicine techniques known as healing touch and guided imagery can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in military personnel who have been in combat, a new study says.

TV for Kids Filled With Social Bullying, Study Finds

Long before Hollywood introduced the concept of "Mean Girls," people knew that childhood can be full of name-calling, manipulation and we-won't-talk-to-you freeze-outs. Now, a new study finds that "social bullying" isn't just a real-life phenomenon. It's also common in the TV shows popular among kids aged 2 to 11.

Genes May Influence Impotence After Prostate Radiation

Men with certain gene mutations may be at higher risk for erectile dysfunction after receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer than other patients, a new study suggests.

Hospital Observation Units Could Save Billions in Health Costs, Study Says

Wider use of hospital observation units could save the U.S. health care system billions of dollars a year, a new study indicates.

More Than Half of Severe Mental Disability Cases Not Inherited: Study

More than half of the cases of severe intellectual disability are the result of random genetic mutations that are notpassed down from parents, researchers from Switzerland and Germany report.

Health Highlights: Sept. 27, 2012

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

Follow-Up Lacking for Babies After Hepatitis B Vaccination: CDC

Many U.S. babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B do not receive recommended follow-up testing after vaccination, a new study finds.