Health News

Health News for 04/01/11

April 01, 2011

Pediatrics Group Offers Guidelines to Keep Young Campers Safe, Healthy

Updated guidelines to keep children happy, safe and healthy when they go to camp were released this week by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Health Tip: Why You May Need Scar Repair

If a scar becomes too unsightly or interferes with normal movement, you may be a candidate for scar repair surgery, sometimes called scar revision.

Health Tip: Risk Factors for Pre-Term Labor

Pre-term labor occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. About 10 percent of babies born in the United States are considered pre-term, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says.

Do At-Home Genetic Tests Tell Too Much and Explain Too Little?

At-home pregnancy tests can tell you unequivocally in minutes whether a baby is on the way and if it is time to call your doctor.

Tips for Keeping Young Athletes Safe

It's important to keep injury prevention in mind as children begin spring sports activities, says Dr. Steven Greer, of the MCGHealth Sports Medicine Center in Augusta, Ga.

Laughter Not Only Feels Good, It's Good for the Heart

Having a good laugh on April Fool's Day or any other day of the year helps relieve stress and benefits your blood vessels, an expert says.

When Pets Outlive Owners, 'Retirement Homes' Offer Refuge

Betty Kyle knew that after she passed away her daughters did not want to care for her menagerie of four Italian greyhounds, two donkeys, a goat and horse.

Exercise Is Key for People With Arthritis: Expert

Exercise is a good way for people with arthritis to control pain and improve physical function, says an expert.

Prostate Cancer Screening Doesn't Cut Death Rates: Study

A 20-year study from Sweden suggests that screening for prostate cancer does not substantially reduce the risk of death from the disease.

Rigors of Ballet Require Careful Training

Ballet and other types of dancing are challenging activities that can put tremendous strain on certain parts of the body, so it's critical to take steps to prevent injuries, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Sports Gear Should Also Protect Eyes, Experts Say

As warmer weather nears and people gear up to play sports like baseball and soccer, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) advises athletes that they can reduce their risk of eye injury by wearing protective eyewear.

FDA Panel Delays Action on Dyes Used in Foods

Foods that contain dyes used to enhance color don't need warning labels, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel said Thursday.

Freezing Wrinkles a Possible Alternative to Botox

A new technology that temporarily zaps away forehead wrinkles by freezing the nerves shows promise in early clinical trials, researchers say.

Health Highlights: April 1, 2011

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

Many Moms Have Kids With Different Dads, U.S. Study Finds

More than one-quarter of women in the United States with two or more children have had children with different men, a new study shows.

Allowing Organ Donation by People With HIV Could Save Lives, Experts Say

About 500 HIV-positive patients a year could get kidney or liver transplants within months instead of years if the U.S. Congress reversed a law that forbids people with HIV from being organ donors after they die, researchers say.

Is It a Cold? Or an Allergy?

Colds and allergies can cause similar symptoms, and finding out which condition you have is the first step in getting relief, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).