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A Poor Night's Sleep May Increase Your Risk for Catching a Cold

< Jan. 14, 2009 > -- The risk of catching a cold increases when you get fewer hours of quality sleep a night, researchers reveal.

Abnormal Heart Rhythm May Be Predicted By Risk Score

Weighing a combination of risk factors could help doctors predict which patients are the most likely to develop atrial fibrillation, says a study reported in the medical journal .

Acid Reflux Medications Should be Used with Caution

< Jul. 08, 2009 > -- Ironically, a new study finds that drugs commonly used to treat heartburn and acid reflux may actually cause heartburn.

Advanced Prostate Cancer a Bigger Challenge for Young Men

A recent study reported in the journal Cancer has some sobering news: Younger men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer don't live as long as older men facing the same diagnosis.

Age-Related Cognitive Decline May Be Linked to High Blood Sugar Levels

< Dec. 31, 2008 > -- Rising blood glucose levels have been identified by scientists as a possible contributing factor in age-related cognitive decline.

Air Pollution, Parental Stress Can Affect Risk for Asthma

< Jul. 22, 2009 > -- In addition to automobile exhaust, a new study finds that parents with high stress levels can also affect a child's risk for developing asthma.

All 50 States Have Cases of the Swine Flu Virus

< Jun. 03, 2009 > -- On Monday, US health officials reported swine flu cases in all 50 states, with the total number of people infected probably surpassing 200,000.

Arteries May Clear of Calcium Deposits with Extra Sleep

A good night's sleep may be just what your arteries need, says a report in the .

As Economy Worsens, So Does Stress

Economic turmoil and money woes have become top stressors for eight out of 10 Americans, according to survey findings of the American Psychological Association (APA). Despite the onslaught of negative news, APA and other mental health experts recommend that patients focus on building resiliency.

Be Cautious with Halloween Face Paints

< Oct. 28, 2009 > -- Halloween face painting for little trick-or-treaters may need to be reconsidered, according to a new report released this week.

Be Social and Manage Stress to Live Longer

A new study finds that individuals who are outgoing and manage stress well have traits found in the children of people who lived to 100 years old, and longevity is thought to run in families.

Better Vision in Children Linked to the Outdoors

Kids who spend more time outside - and away from the television set - are less likely to develop myopia, the inability to see things clearly at a distance.

Blood Donors Needed!

< Jan. 07, 2009 > -- During the holiday season, the nation's blood supply tends to dip dangerously low because of a decline in donations.

Boost Your Health with Active Commuting

If you're tired of sitting in rush hour traffic, a new study offers motivation to pedal or walk your way to work instead. Researchers analyzed the commuting habits of more than 2,300 men and women.

BRCA Gene Mutation a Cancer Risk for Men

Men who are biologically related to family members who have the BRCA1 and 2 gene mutations typically avoid genetic counseling or testing, a new study finds.

Breast Cancer Deaths Drop 2 Percent

There's good news from the American Cancer Society (ACS). In its report, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010, the ACS notes that deaths from breast cancer are down.

Breast Cancer Risk Not Higher with Limited Caffeine Use

Drinking coffee or consuming other caffeine-laden foods does not appear to boost overall breast cancer risk, says a study in the .

Breast Cancer Survival Status Found with Blood Marker

A link has been found between breast cancer survival and high levels of two proteins in the blood that are indicators of inflammation.

Caffeine and Technology Add to Reduced Sleep in Teens

Just one in five teens is getting the recommended eight hours of sleep each night.

Can a Blood Test Predict Postpartum Depression?

< Feb. 04, 2009 > -- Measuring hormone levels produced by the placenta during pregnancy may predict whether a woman is likely to develop postpartum depression, suggests a report published in the .

Can a Drug Jumpstart the Bone-Healing Process?

< Apr. 15, 2009 > -- Preliminary results released yesterday by US researchers reported on a drug that boosts the body's production of stem cells which appears to "jump-start" the bone-healing process to a point that older adults' bones heal as fast as children's bones.

Cancer Survival May be Affected by Marital Status

< Aug. 26, 2009 > -- A new study finds that marital separation may negatively affect a person's recovery from cancer, even more so than being divorced or widowed.

Car Seat Danger Can Occur Outside of Vehicles

< Oct. 21, 2009 > -- A new study reveals good news and bad news about infant car seats: while these safety devices have saved countless young lives, they are also responsible for thousands of injuries when improperly used outside of motor vehicles.

Careful! Bathtub Trips, Slips, and Falls Can Injure Children

A new study reported in the journal Pediatrics shows that bathtubs can be a dangerous place for children. Bath safety often focuses on avoiding burns and drowning, but it is actually slips, trips, and falls that account for most bathing-related injuries in children.

Child Growth Charts Often Difficult to Understand

< Sep. 30, 2009 > -- The growth charts widely used in pediatricians' offices are not easily understood or interpreted by many parents, a new survey finds. The results of the survey are reported in the medical journal .

Childhood Cancer Survivors Need Mammograms

Experts say female childhood cancer survivors who have had radiation should get mammograms earlier than the general population of women.

Childhood Obesity Linked to Rapid Weight Gain In Infants

< Apr. 01, 2009 > -- According to a recent Harvard report, rapid weight gain in newborns during the first six months of life may also raise their risk for obesity as toddlers.

Children More Likely to Smoke if Mom Smoked During Pregnancy

< May. 20, 2009 > -- According to researchers from the University of Arizona, smoking during pregnancy "biologically primes" a fetus to become a regular smoker as a teen and young adult.

Chronic Back Pain Relieved by Acupuncture

< May 13, 2009 > -- In a group of adult patients, chronic lower back pain was relieved by acupuncture, whether it pierced the skin or not.

Cloudy Skies May Cloud Your Thinking

< Jul. 29, 2009 > -- People suffering from depression have been found to have memory and other cognitive (thinking skills) problems during gloomy weather, according to a new report.

Colonoscopy Remains the Gold Standard to Detect Colon Cancer

< Mar. 11, 2009 > -- Medical experts say you can still trust a colonoscopy to detect and prevent colon cancer in its earliest stages, even though recent research has pointed out some potential drawbacks in having this procedure.

Colorectal Cancer Incidence, Death Rates May Decrease with Aspirin

< Aug. 12, 2009 > -- A new study in the finds that taking aspirin might not only reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer, but may also lower the odds of dying from the disease.

Consumers Urged to Avoid Peanut Butter Products During Salmonella Probe

< Jan. 21, 2009 > -- The peanut butter recall continues to heat up as products containing peanut butter are being pulled from store shelves.

Deft Management of Type 1 Diabetes Helps Lower Complications

There is good news for people with type 1 diabetes. A new study has found that tight management of the disease reduces risk for serious complications, such as blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease.

Dementia Risk for Older People Increased by Low Blood Sugar

Older individuals with type 2 diabetes who have been hospitalized with severe low blood sugar levels seem to have a greater risk of developing dementia, new research suggests.

Dense Breasts May Be a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer risk assessment and prevention should start much earlier in life than it currently does, say Canadian researchers who examined breast cancer risk factors in young women.

Diabetes and Sleep Apnea Linked

Here is a wake-up call to the millions of American men and women with type 2 diabetes: Snoring at night or nodding off during the day may be symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea.

Diabetes Linked to Depression During and After Pregnancy

Low-income women with diabetes who are pregnant or who recently gave birth face almost twice the risk of depression compared to women without diabetes, says a study in the .

Diabetes Studies Update on Nutrition, and on Cancer

Does Insulin Level Raise Risk for Breast Cancer?

A new study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that postmenopausal women with higher insulin levels may be at greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Don't Let the Internet Stand Between You and Your Family

Internet use is at an all-time high. But according to a new survey, your family may pay an unseen price for being wired.

Echocardiography a Valuable View of the Heart

The advanced imaging technique called contrast echocardiography can have a significant impact on the diagnosis and treatment of people hospitalized with heart disease, says a report in the .

Effects of Negative Emotions on the Heart Can Lead to Cardiac Problems

< Feb. 11, 2009 > -- Taking a few minutes to relax, calm down, and simply enjoy life can do more than soothe frayed nerves or a troubled mind - it may save your life.

Exams of Obese, Diabetic Youth Show Cardiovascular Problems

An examination of the neck arteries of today's obese or diabetic young people bodes ill for their future health, researchers report in the journal .

Experts Say Increase Vitamin D Supplements for Children

The leading children's medical organization in the United States says that it has doubled the amount of vitamin D recommended for infants, children, and adolescents.

Experts Still Looking for Glucosamine Attributes

Eager to relieve joint pain and repair the cushioning between bones, millions of arthritis sufferers reach for glucosamine, an over-the-counter dietary supplement.

Family Lifestyle Linked to Obesity

Although genetics likely play a role in whether or not someone becomes overweight or obese, a family's lifestyle also has a major impact on the chances of a teenager developing a weight problem, a new study shows.

Fear Not: Learn to Overcome Common Phobias

Petting a dog, seeing blood, giving a speech-we're all afraid of something. But for some of us, the fear mushrooms out of control, leading to a full-blown phobia.

Feeling Good after Exercise Lasts Longer than Expected

Feel-good afterglow from a workout may last far beyond the hour or so that has been previously assumed, says research presented at the .

Flu Virus Becoming Resistant to Drug

< Mar. 04, 2009 > -- A new government report shows an increase in resistance to the antiviral drug Tamiflu®. This antiviral drug is primarily linked to influenza A strains, the most common type of flu circulating in the United States.

For Your Heart's Sake, Get a Flu Shot

In an article published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, researchers report that deaths from heart disease and heart attack are higher during flu season. But getting a flu shot may help lower the risk of dying from heart disease or having a heart attack.

Genetic Risk for Autism Highlighted in New Research

Two new studies highlight the complex genetic roots of autism. The first says inheriting abnormal mutations of two common genes can raise the risk for developing the disease.

Get Active?and Back in the Game?with Video Games

Do your kids prefer their video games to a game of catch? Are you hooked on games, too-and stuck on the couch?

Get Your Kids Talking to Improve Language Development

According to two new research studies, listening to what your children have to say is just as important as talking to them.

Good Blood Glucose Control Is Your Ally Against Alzheimer?s

If you have type 2 diabetes and don't control your blood sugar, you may be putting more than your heart, eyes, and kidneys at risk--you may be putting your brain at risk, too.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccine on the Way

< Oct. 07, 2009 > -- As the first doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine leave the manufacturers, federal health officials continue to stress the product's safety.

H1N1 Flu Accompanies College Students Back to Campus

< Sep. 02, 2009 > -- As college students head back to campus, clusters of H1N1 swine flu outbreaks are being noted on many campuses. School administrators are working on efforts to encourage students to take preventative steps to keep the virus from spreading further.

Hands On Approach to Pain Management Touted

If you struggle with aches and pains that refuse to go away, you just might find relief with a long-practiced but relatively obscure alternative therapy called naprapathy.

Healthy Eating Tips Can Lead to Happier Holdiays

< Dec. 24, 2008 > -- Focus on keeping your weight steady with simple healthy eating strategies, rather than worry about gaining or losing weight during the holiday season.

Heart Failure Creates Needs for Patient and Caregiver

People with heart failure, and those who care for them, want more attention paid to their psychological needs, a new study finds.

Heart Health Includes Vitamin D

A lack of vitamin D, which is absorbed primarily through exposure to sunlight, helps boost the risk of heart attacks and strokes, new research finds.

Higher Doses of Radiation Often Needed for Obese, Overweight Patients

< Jul. 01, 2009 > -- New research indicates that people who are overweight and obese are usually given higher-than-normal doses of radiation in order to obtain usable X-ray images, even though the long-term effects are unknown.

Hispanic Women Discover Own Breast Cancer, But Wait

Most breast cancers in Hispanic women are detected by the women themselves, a new study shows. This is despite high rates of screening mammography in this population.

Home Medications Cause Most Accidental Poisonings

< Aug. 05, 2009 > -- Medications found in the family medicine cabinet are the leading cause of accidental poisonings in US children, according to a new report.

HRT and Tender Breasts May Indicate Increased Breast Cancer Risk

< Oct. 14, 2009 > -- Women taking estrogen/progestin hormone replacement therapy who experience breast tenderness may be at increased risk for developing breast cancer, according to a new study released this week.

Infections Linked to Stroke

< Nov. 11, 2009 > -- A new study suggests that being exposed to several common pathogens may contribute to the risk for having a stroke.

Knee Cartilage Loss Linked to Being Overweight

< Jul. 15, 2009 > -- According to a new report, being overweight or obese can cause rapid deterioration of the cartilage in the knee, leading to osteoarthritis - yet another reason for people to maintain a healthy body weight.

Lack of Knowledge About Diabetes is a Concern

< Nov. 04, 2009 > -- Diabetes is a frequently-diagnosed disease, yet many Americans lack basic knowledge about the potentially life-threatening condition, according to a new survey from the .

Life Span Could Shorten from Eating Too Much Red Meat

Diets high in red meat and in processed meat shorten life span not just from cancer and heart disease but from Alzheimer's, stomach ulcers, and other conditions as well, a study has found.

Lifestyle May Counter Genetic Influence on Blood Pressure

< Jun. 17, 2009 > -- Having a genetic makeup that can promote the development of high blood pressure does not necessarily mean that a person will acquire the condition.

Living Kidney Donor Chains Facilitate More Matches

In 2006, one healthy young man stepped forward, willing to give one of his kidneys to a complete stranger. Two years later, 10 people had received new kidneys from that one remarkable altruistic act.

Lower Back Pain Eased with Yoga

< Sep. 09, 2009 > -- According to a new study, chronic pain in the lower back may be eased with yoga.

Lowering Blood Sugar to Decrease Inflammation Studied

< Sep. 16, 2009 > -- Using certain glucose-lowering medications in people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes does not appear to decrease inflammation associated with the development of heart disease, according to a new study.

Lymphedema Difficult for Women after Breast Cancer

In breast cancer survivors, lymphedema - an uncomfortable swelling of the arm and wrist - can be one of the most vexing side effects of treatment.

Macho Men Less Likely to Get Routine Medical Care

The best way for men to take care of themselves is to actively take part in their health care. But new research suggests that men who subscribe to macho ideals may be less likely to do so.

Make Safety of Young Athletes a Priority

< Apr. 08, 2009 > -- Children face a number of potential hazards as they suit up for youth sports, but many can be avoided with help from attentive parents. April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, and experts want parents to be aware of the ways they can help protect children from harm.

Make the Most of Family Meals

The most important part of a holiday meal is not the turkey, the stuffing, or the homemade apple pie. It's not even the gifts you may exchange. What is it? Family. Sharing a meal with your family provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Mediterranean Diet May Decrease Need for Diabetes Medications

The Mediterranean diet has been shown through many studies to have great health benefits. A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests another bonus: It may help people with type 2 diabetes decrease or eliminate their need for medications to control blood sugar levels.

Men Experience Depression Differently from Women

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects your mood, thoughts, and even your body. Symptoms of depression are reported more often by women than men. Nonetheless, it affects more than 6 million men.

Men's Risk of Heart Failure Lowered with Fatty Fish

Eating salmon or other fatty fish just once a week helped reduce men's risk of heart failure, says a new study reported in the .

Moms-To-Be Can Eat Apples to Ward off Asthma in Offspring

An apple a day while you are pregnant may indeed keep the doctor away. But the real beneficiary could be your unborn child, say researchers in the journal .

More People Found to be Living with Paralysis

< Apr. 22, 2009 > -- A new survey released this week shows that one in 50 Americans, or 5.6 million people, live with some form of paralysis.

New Ban on Flavored Cigarettes Aimed at Young Smokers

< Sep. 23, 2009 > -- Cigarettes flavored with vanilla, berry, or chocolate flavors, aimed at enticing young people to smoke, are no longer available in the US.

New Flu Strain Targets Younger People

Since the H1N1 influenza virus spread to the U.S. in April, health experts have recognized a curious trend: Older adults are less affected by the virus than young people. According to recent health reports, most cases of H1N1 infections are among people ages 5 to 24.

New Potential for Predicting Aggressive Prostate Cancer on the Horizon

A simple urine test might someday be used to determine if men have a fast-growing, aggressive form of prostate cancer by identifying small molecules, called metabolites, which are associated with this condition, according to a report in the medical journal .

New Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening Meet Resistance

< Nov. 18, 2009 > -- In a move that surprised many, including physicians and other healthcare providers, the has announced new guidelines for breast cancer screening.

New Type of Artery Stent Shows Promise

A new generation of stents shows promise in avoiding the late-onset problems that have plagued drug-eluting stents in patients with heart disease, researchers say.

No Amount of Cigarettes Is Safe for Your Heart

Research has shown that smoking cigarettes, as well as being exposed to secondhand smoke, raises risk for heart disease. But what is the difference in the effect of a little versus a lot of smoke?

Not Many Children Need Statins for Heart Disease Prevention

When Dr. Earl S. Ford read that the was recommending that children as young as eight be given cholesterol-lowering statins, he decided to check on the numbers.

Obesity a Factor in Increasing Numbers of Type 2 Diabetes Cases

The rate of new cases of type 2 diabetes has nearly doubled in the United States in the last decade, with most new cases appearing in southern states, says a report.

OTC Medication Labels Can Be Confusing to Parents

A new study has found that medication labels on children's over-the-counter (OTC) cold medicine can be confusing to parents.

Ovarian Preservation May Be a Safe Option in Endometrial Cancer

< Jan. 28, 2009 > -- Early-stage endometrial cancer may no longer warrant the removal of the ovaries in younger women, a new study affirms.

Portion Control Key to Losing Weight

All-you-can-eat buffets, super-sized meals, and cavernous drinks may help keep your wallet full, but they are also helping to expand your waistline.

Prostate Cancer Anxiety Helped with Stress Management

Stress management counseling appears to benefit men who have all or part of their prostate removed (radical prostatectomy) to treat early-stage prostate cancer, according to a study in the .

Prostate Cancer Therapy May Affect Heart and Bones

Although testosterone-lowering androgen deprivation therapy is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, it may raise the risk of men developing bone fractures and fatal cardiovascular disease.

Protect Heart with Low Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

The tightest control of the major risk factors for heart disease seems to provide the greatest protection against cardiovascular problems, says a study reported in the .

PSA Test for Prostate Cancer May Be Affected by Statin Use

A new study shows that men who take cholesterol-lowering medications called statins have lower blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for prostate cancer risk.

Pump Iron to Prevent Lymphedema Flare-ups

For years, breast cancer survivors have been advised to avoid stressing the arm during strength training or other exercise because muscle strain can increase the severity of lymphedema flare-ups.

Radiotracers Bring New Views for Breast Imaging

Two newer breast imaging techniques will help doctors diagnose and stage breast cancer, but neither technique will replace standard mammography for the detection of breast cancer.

Reduced Breast Cancer Risk and Migraines Linked

For women who suffer from migraines, here's a bit of good news: New research shows that your risk for breast cancer may be reduced by as much as 26 percent.

Reduced Rate of Teens' Car Crashes Related to Later School Start Time

< Dec. 17, 2008 > -- Research findings suggest an increase in sleep means a sharper teenage driver.

Revised Aspirin Therapy Guidelines

< Mar. 18, 2009 > -- US experts have revised aspirin guidelines, stating that lower doses appear to be at least as effective as higher doses and safer at preventing heart attack in men and stroke in women.

Selenium and Vitamin E Do Not Help Prostate Cancer

The results of two large clinical trials show the supplements selenium and Vitamin E failed to provide a cancer-prevention benefit, despite encouraging past findings.

Sleep Apnea Raises Risk for Death

Sleep apnea is a common, chronic condition that affects about one in four men. If not treated, it can lead to excessive sleepiness, problems with daytime alertness, and an increased risk for car accidents.

Standard Blood Sugar Guidelines Recommended

While less strict blood sugar control may be appropriate for some diabetes patients, most should adhere to the target goal of an A1C level of less than 7 percent that has long been recommended for reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications. A1C is a measure of blood glucose levels over the previous two or three months.

Strict Diabetes Control with Heart Disease Still Under Review

< Jun. 10, 2009 > -- The relationship between tight blood sugar control and the risk of heart trouble is still unclear, even after research involving two large diabetes clinical trials.

Stroke Risk Reduction Found In Women Who Consume Coffee

< Feb. 18, 2009 > -- Spanish and American researchers suggest that drinking coffee appears to lower the risk for stroke among women, with more consumption translating into more protection.

Summer Time Means Tick and Mosquito Bite Time

< Jun. 24, 2009 > -- Now that summer has officially arrived, millions of Americans will be picnicking in grassy fields and camping in the woods.

Survival During Cardiac Arrest May Depend on Noisy Breathing

A connection between noisy breathing and increased survival rates when someone is suffering sudden cardiac arrest.has been made by researchers.

Swine Flu Outbreak Continues

< Apr. 29, 2009 > -- The number of confirmed cases of swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, in the United States has increased to 64, as reported by the late Tuesday morning.

Teen Driving Education to Prevent Injuries

Experts say that safe driving education should be part of routine physicals for teens. Pediatricians are advised to ask teenagers during regular physical exams if they are driving.

Tests May ID Older Patients at Risk for Post-Op Delirium

Two simple tests may predict which older patients have underlying depression or less cognitive flexibility, leaving them vulnerable to post-surgery delirium, says a study presented at a meeting of the .

The Fear of Being Diagnosed with Diabetes

< Mar. 25, 2009 > -- A new survey reveals that more than half of Americans fear developing diabetes, but many continue unhealthy behaviors that increase their odds of getting the blood sugar disease.

Think Toy Safety During The Holiday Season

On the shelves of reputable stores, shiny toys that seems perfectly safe are displayed in bright friendly packaging, but looks can be deceiving.

Time Widens for Giving Clot-Busting Drug for Stroke

An advisory committee of the has issued a recommendation that the window of time for tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy be opened much wider. The advisory appears in the medical journal .

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer Abound

A diagnosis of prostate cancer may prompt an understandable feeling of dread, but patients actually have a wide variety of treatment options at their disposal for tackling the disease, medical experts say.

Tumor Size and Type Helps Predict Breast Cancer Outcome

Researchers are making progress in predicting breast cancer risk, recurrence risk, and response to cancer treatment by looking at factors such as breast density and tumor size.

Type 2 Diabetics May Not Find Heart Screening Beneficial

Routine screening for coronary artery disease is of no value for adults with diabetes who have no symptoms of heart problems, says a report in the .

Undertreatment of Women Linked to More Heart Attack Deaths

< Dec. 10, 2008 > -- Recent studies show an increase in deaths and a difference in the medical treatment given to women compared to men when suffering a severe heart attack.

US Officials See Hopeful Signs Although Swine Flu Cases Increase

< May. 06, 2009 > -- This morning, confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States climbed to 642 in 41 states. Federal health officials say the revised numbers indicate they are catching up on a backlog of lab tests, rather than a sudden rise in new infections.

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