Health News

Health News for 01/11/12

January 11, 2012

Health Tip: When Your Child Cries at Night

Though it's tempting for parents to run to their child at the slightest cry during the night, experts say that's not always the best reaction.

Health Tip: Spot the Symptoms of Heart Attack

Women may not initially suspect that they're having a heart attack -- especially if they don't have the obvious chest pain.

Surgeons in Mid-Career Have Fewest Complications: Study

Surgeons aged 35 to 50 provide the safest care for patients, a new study suggests.

Car, TV Ownership Tied to Higher Risk for Heart Attack

People who own a car and a television tend to be at increased risk for heart attack, a new study finds.

Tests Might Someday Help Spot Early Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer in the world, and only about 15 percent of cases are diagnosed at an early stage, when it's most treatable.

Scientists Identify Inherited Prostate Cancer Gene

The first major gene mutation associated with an increased risk for hereditary prostate cancer has been identified by scientists.

Novel Stem Cell Treatment May Hold Promise for Type 1 Diabetes

A new type of stem cell treatment for people with type 1 diabetes appears to help re-educate rogue immune system cells, which allows cells in the pancreas to start producing insulin again.

Mouse Study Give Clues to Why Exercise Is Healthy

Researchers have identified a protein in muscle cells that triggers some of the health benefits of exercise in mice.

Internet Flu Searches May Warn of Outbreaks

Keeping an eye on Internet search traffic about the flu can provide hospital emergency departments with an early warning system about potential surges in seasonal flu cases, a new study suggests.

Alcohol Targets Brain 'Reward Centers' in Heavy Drinkers

A small study that offers new insight into how alcohol affects the brain could help lead to more effective treatments for people with drinking problems.

Three Embryos Are Too Many for IVF: Study

The ideal number of embryos to implant during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) therapy can be one or two, but should never be more than three, according to a new study that examined this controversial issue.

Herbal Medicines for Arthritis Not Backed by Evidence

There is little evidence to support the widespread use of herbal medicines to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, according to a review of these products.

Certain Diabetes Drugs Might Aid Weight Loss

A class of newer diabetes drugs that includes exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) might also be used to help the obese lose weight, Danish researchers report.

Americans Living Longer, Report Finds

Americans are living longer, a new report shows, with the average life expectancy going from 78.6 years in 2009 to 78.7 years in 2010.

Gene Research Sheds Light on Rare Immune Disease

A genetic mutation that causes a rare immune disease characterized by impaired and excessive immune function has been identified by scientists.

Marathoners at Slim Risk of Cardiac Arrest

If you're a healthy distance runner, your chances of dying from sudden cardiac arrest during a race are extremely slim, a new study indicates.

Covering Gym Fees Might Be Money Saver for Medicare

Paying the gym-membership fees of seniors joining private Medicare supplemental insurance plans -- which by law cannot deny coverage based on illness -- attracts healthier adults, potentially saving the U.S. insurer money, a new study suggests.

Could Internet Addiction Disrupt Brain's Connections?

A small Chinese study suggests that the brains of teenagers who are seemingly addicted to the Internet have abnormal "white matter," the biological insulation that surrounds the wiring between neurons.

Outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease Traced to Hospital Fountain

A decorative fountain in a hospital lobby was the cause of a 2010 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Wisconsin, a new study says.

Even When Silent, Irregular Heartbeat Linked to Stroke Risk

Many people may not feel their heart race when they are having an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, but these silent symptoms double their risk of stroke, a new study finds.