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August 2012

Friday August 31, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 31, 2012

• More Baby Boomers Opting to Cohabit, Not Marry - The partnerships are also long-lasting, researchers find

• Keeping Up a Healthy Lifestyle Pays Off in Added Years: Study - Seniors who keep active and don't smoke live an average 5 years longer, researchers say

• Kidney Stones May Be Tied to Later Kidney Problems - Study found slightly increased risk for chronic disease, especially in women

• Turning Off the Tube Linked to Healthier Weight in Teens - Study that limited TV time for a year found that kids, but not adults, gained fewer pounds

• New Prep for Colon Screen Uses Four Pills, Not Liquid Laxative - Researchers think the easier regimen will encourage more to get 'virtual colonoscopy'

• Diners Eat Less When Restaurant Has Soft Lighting, Music - Calorie counts per meal dropped but customers' satisfaction rose, study found

• Hookah Effects as Harmful as Cigarettes, Study Finds - Wheeze, cough, chest tightness evident in those who smoke using either method

• Irregular Heartbeat May Pose Higher Stroke Risk for Women Than Men - But large study of atrial fibrillation found this only holds true in oldest patients

• Feces-Linked Bacteria Found at Lake Erie Beaches - High levels of Arcobacter indicate fecal contamination, researcher notes

• Women's Brains React Differently Than Men's to Alcoholism, Study Finds - Brain's white matter recovers more slowly in men, scans show

• U.S. Military Seeks to Reduce Humvee Crash Injuries - Motor vehicle accidents, many in Humvees, account for nearly a third of personnel deaths

• Smoking After Stroke Triples Risk of Death Within Year: Study - The sooner patients resumed habit after leaving hospital, the worse they fared

• FDA OKs Drug for Advanced Prostate Cancer - Xtandi extended overall survival by about 5 months compared to placebo

• More Benefits of Breast Milk Revealed - Nursing promotes development of healthy bacteria in newborn's gut, study says

• Health Tip: Help Keep COPD in Check - Visit your doctor often

• Health Tip: Do You Have Plantar Fasciitis? - Heel pain is a prime symptom

• Xtandi Approved for Advanced Prostate Cancer - Drug increased survival time for patients who'd failed hormone-based treatments

Thursday August 30, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 30, 2012

• Hurricane Isaac Could Stir Up Allergies, Asthma - Experts say levels of pollen and mold typically rise after these types of storms

• Most U.S. Schools Unprepared for Pandemics: Study - Protective gear, medication stockpiles, staff disaster training all lacking

• Brain Bleeds More Common in Smokers, Research Shows - Quitting reduces risk of burst aneurysm, but less so for pack-a-day folks, study finds

• Frequent MRI Scanner Exposure Might Affect Memory: Study - Magnetic field remains even when imaging not taking place

• Could Bacteria in Skin Mites Help Cause Rosacea? - Evidence is mounting that immune system might react badly to the germs, triggering the skin ailment

• Stress, a 'Type A' Personality May Boost Stroke Risk - Experts suggest the anger and hostility of a hard-driven personality could be to blame

• 'Alarming' Rise Seen in Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis - International study found TB withstanding multiple types of antibiotics

• Multiple Abortions May Raise Risk of Preemie Birth Later - First baby born to women who had 3 or more induced abortions more likely to have low birth weight, study says

• Heart Attacks, Strokes Jumped After Japan Earthquake, Study Finds - Disrupted medication deliveries may have played a role

• Tiny Batteries Pose Growing Threat to Kids - So-called button batteries can cause choking and death, report warns

• Ancient Genome Appears to Have Links to Modern Humans - Scientists who studied Denisovan DNA found shared genes with people in Papua New Guinea

• Too Few Girls Get HPV Vaccine Against Cancer: CDC - Many more teens protected from whooping cough, meningitis than the sexually transmitted virus

• Survival More Likely With Exercise-Related Cardiac Arrest: Study - Many benefitted from bystander CPR

• Breast Cancer Drug May Harm the Heart More Than Thought - Analysis finds increased risk of cardiac problems with Herceptin in real-world setting

• In Diabetes, Any Protein in Urine May Signal Heart Risk - Even slightly elevated albumin linked to raised odds of stroke, heart attack, heart failure in study

• Health Tip: Living With Fibromyalgia - Make sure you get enough sleep

• Health Tip: If Bowel Control Is a Problem - Here's a list of possible causes

• New Drug Approved for Lack of Certain White Blood Cells - A condition affecting some chemotherapy patients

• New Drug Approved for Irritable Bowel, Chronic Constipation - Linzess sanctioned for cases that don't respond to conventional treatment

• Afinitor Disperz Approved for Rare Tumor - Sanctioned for children aged 1 and older

Wednesday August 29, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 29, 2012

• ER Study Shows Drop in Deaths After Trauma Injury - Experts say advances in treatment, better guidelines over past decade may explain trend

• Confusion Over Diabetes Types Adds to Patients' Woes - Causes, treatment differ between type 1 and type 2 disease

• Kids With Neurological Conditions at Higher Risk of Flu Death: CDC - Medical, parenting groups working to increase flu vaccination, awareness

• Less Is More With Exercise, Study Says - 60-minute workout no better for weight loss than half-hour regimen

• Daily Temper Tantrums Not the Norm for Preschoolers: Study - Fewer than 1 in 10 'melt down' that often; finding helps define when parents should be concerned

• Low-Cal Diets Kept Monkeys Healthier, But Didn't Lengthen Lives - Study runs counter to previous research that suggested caloric restriction might boost longevity

• Scientists ID 'Happy' Gene in Women - One version of the 'MAOA' gene may boost levels of feel-good chemicals in brain

• West Nile Cases Jump 40% in a Week; 66 Deaths Reported, CDC Says - Texas bears the brunt of the outbreak, which has yet to peak, experts say

• Discovery May Improve Diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's - Markers in cerebrospinal fluid might help distinguish different forms of neurological disease, study finds

• Mental Skills Decline More Sharply for Women With Alzheimer's: Study - Even verbal ability deteriorates more than for men, researchers say

• Stroke Prevention: More Sweet News for Chocolate Lovers - But it's still too soon for recommendations, researchers say

• Adding Plavix to Aspirin Doesn't Help Guard Against Second Stroke: Study - Combo actually raised bleeding, death risk in patients with type caused by chronic hypertension

• Yet Another Tick-Borne Illness Emerges in U.S. - 'Phlebovirus' symptoms in 2 Missouri men included fever, short-term memory problems

• Health Tip: On the Go With Diabetes - Talk to your doctor about making adjustments

• Health Tip: If Your Child Develops Food Poisoning - Suggestions for at-home care

Tuesday August 28, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 28, 2012

• FDA Approves New Once-a-Day HIV Pill - Stribild combines four AIDS-fighting medicines, agency says

• Snoring Kids Should Be Screened for Sleep Apnea: Experts - New guidelines issued by American Academy of Pediatrics also urge weight loss for obese snorers

• Breast Cancer Drug Might Help Men on Prostate Cancer Therapy - Study found tamoxifen cut some side effects that could discourage men from seeking treatment

• Chronic Cough Responds to Epilepsy Drug, Study Finds - But expert contends few patients really need it

• Add Hurricane Menu to Your Storm Prep, Experts Say - Stock up on nonperishables, protein sources, powdered milk

• Little Evidence on Value of Treatments for Autism: Report - Whether it's drug therapy or vocational training, more study needed to clarify benefits

• Early Stenting Best for Some Heart Patients: Study - Those who started on drug therapy alone were more likely to later need urgent stent placement

• 4 Eating Habits May Help Older Women Maintain Weight Loss - In 4-year study, those who kept pounds off decreased 3 food groups and increased fruits, vegetables

• Missed Diagnoses in ICU Often Have Deadly Results: Review - About 1 in 4 in intensive care has undiagnosed, sometimes potentially fatal, conditions

• Belly Fat May Hit Your Heart the Hardest - Study finds risk of cardiovascular death highest in those with 'central obesity'

• Vitamins, Minerals May Help Older Men's Sperm Stay Healthy - More intake of zinc, folate, vitamins C & E linked to less sperm DNA damage in advancing age

• 'Cyborg' Tissue Created Using 'Nano-Wires' - Most likely use in near future is in drug industry, researcher says

• Race May Affect Quality of Prostate Cancer Surgical Care - Analysis finds black patients less likely to be treated at hospitals with high-volume surgeons

• Health Tip: Help Prevent a Poison Ivy Rash - Teach kids to recognize the growing menace

• Health Tip: Coping With Early-Onset Alzheimer's - Prepare for good days and bad ones

• Once-Daily Pill Approved to Treat HIV - Stribild, combination therapy, interferes with AIDS virus' ability to multiply

Monday August 27, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 27, 2012

• New Blood Thinner Effient No Better Than Plavix at Preventing Heart Trouble: Study - In patients who were not getting bypass surgery or stents, results and risks were equal

• Gene Might Predict Brain Tumors' Aggressiveness - Scientists zero in on DNA sequence associated with gliomas

• Excess Pounds Raise Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence, Death: Study - Link seen only with most common form of disease

• Mechanical Blood Clot 'Retrievers' May Aid Stroke Patients - Two studies suggest the devices might be an improvement in clearing blocked vessels

• Circumcision Benefits Are Significant, Pediatricians Say - But decision should stay with parents, they add

• Electronic Cigarettes Have Slight Impact on Heart: Study - Appear to be far less toxic than tobacco cigarettes, researcher says

• You Can Learn While You Sleep, Study Suggests - Participants reacted to information given as they slept, after waking

• Could Your Genes Influence How You Vote? - DNA might account for some differences between liberal, conservative views, researchers say

• 2 Common Blood Pressure Meds Fare Equally in Preventing Heart Woes - Review shows no difference between atenolol, metoprolol in warding off heart attack or stroke

• Heavy Marijuana Use in Teen Years May Lower IQ Later - Study found those who smoked in adolescence lost roughly 8 points on IQ tests

• Midlife Fitness May Mean Healthier Old Age, Study Finds - Common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's less likely

• Stopping Controversial Asthma Drugs Could Have Downside: Study - Findings differ from FDA caution on combination therapies

• Daily Aspirin May Help Fight Prostate Cancer, But Not Breast Cancer - Studies showed 57% reduction in death risk with first, no benefit with second

• Not Enough Data to Support Kidney Disease Screening, Task Force Says - More research needed on risks, benefits of routine testing

• Health Tip: If Your Thyroid Is Overactive - Possible signs of hyperthyroidism

• Health Tip: Help Keep Your Bones Healthy - Exercise daily

Sunday August 26, 2012

• Overloaded Backpacks Can Injure Kids: Experts - Some tips to lighten the load as the school year approaches

Saturday August 25, 2012

• Making Parental Peace With Kids' Homework - Help your child get the most from homework without hassles, hovering

• Overweight Kids More Prone to Gallstones: Study - Risk was even higher for obese girls, Hispanics

Friday August 24, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 24, 2012

• Missing Follow-Up Colonoscopies Could Raise Colon Cancer Risk - Incomplete removal of polyps and poor follow-up are top factors for those at increased risk, researchers report

• Radiation for Childhood Cancer Might Raise Diabetes Risk - Study found kids whose treatment affected tail of pancreas were more likely to have diabetes later

• Meditation May Help Fight Loneliness, Study Says - Researchers also looked at its effect on stress and inflammation in older adults

• Research Pinpoints Brain's 'Gullibility' Center - Changes in this region could explain why seniors, children are less doubting

• Statin Use Tied to Possible Boost in Cataract Risk - But link isn't proven and patients shouldn't stop taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, researchers say

• Multiple Brain Tumors Even More Malignant: Study - More tumors may lead to worse treatment response, shorter survival

• Alzheimer's Drug Shows Some Promise in Trials - Subgroup of patients with mild disease showed slowing of mental decline

• U.S. Appeals Court Backs Ruling Against Graphic Images on Cigarette Packs - Decision finds requirement would violate free speech; makes Supreme Court decision likely

• Teen Girls Need Bone Health Advice to Stave Off Osteoporosis - Experts update guidelines on screening, prevention for women of all ages

• African Chimps Carry Drug-Resistant, Human-Linked Staph - Study suggests infected caretakers might have spread bacteria to animals

• Couch-Potato Kids Are Top U.S. Child Health Problem: Poll - Obesity, tobacco use also ranked high among community concerns

• Sleep Boosts Memory for Parkinson's Patients, Study Suggests - Research also found that sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can harm memory

• Health Tip: If You Have Eczema - Suggestions that may help avoid a flare

• Health Tip: Work Out in Water - It's low impact, and can help you lose weight

Thursday August 23, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 23, 2012

• Study of Brain-Injured Man Sheds Light on Self-Awareness - Sense of self not confined to specific region, as previously thought

• Many Obese Americans Struggle With Stigma, Discrimination, Poll Finds - As levels of overweight rise, more say they've been left out of gatherings or passed over for jobs

• Vitamin D May Thwart Kids' Winter Colds - But whether children without vitamin deficiency would benefit remains unclear, study finds

• More Friends, Greater Well-Being at Midlife? - Many friends help men and women, family contacts help men, study found

• Tap Water Used in Neti Pots Tied to Rare, Fatal Brain Infection - Boiled or filtered water safer for preparation, expert says

• PSA Testing Linked to Improved Prostate Cancer Survival - Analysis of research before and after screening was introduced shows benefits

• FDA Cites Possible Source of Cantaloupe-Salmonella Outbreak - Consumers urged to throw away melons from Indiana-based Chamberlain Farms

• Kindergarten Vaccines Close to Target Levels: CDC - But measles, chickenpox protection remains a concern

• Human Airways' 'Brush' Mechanism Gives Clues to Lung Diseases - Researchers say proper mucus clearance may depend on how tiny hair-like cilia operate

• Anorexics Can't Judge Own Body Size: Study - But they can size up others accurately, researchers noted

• Modern Technology Adds to Worldwide Obesity Woes: Report - As countries gain information and communication advances, populations pack on pounds, research shows

• Spirituality May Boost Mental Health: Study - Forgiveness emerged as the most telling trait among people in five religions

• Sense of Fair Play a Human Trait? - Not so for chimpanzees, study finds

• Health Tip: Crohn's Disease Can Cause Complications - Here's what to look out for

• Health Tip: Wanna Dance? - It can bolster your heart and lungs

Wednesday August 22, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 22, 2012

• Obesity Biggest Risk Factor for Diabetes Among Poor: Study - Lifestyle changes key to decreasing disease rate among the disadvantaged

• Many Teens Drinking, Taking Drugs During School: Survey - Roughly half knew classmates who sold drugs, and knew nearby spots to drink or get high during the day

• Scientists ID Cancer-Causing Agent in Smokeless Tobacco - Study rats received equivalent of daily half-tin of ingredient over 30 years

• New Clues to How Alcohol May Boost Cancer Risk - Substance formed when body breaks down booze can damage DNA, research shows

• Spouses of Heart Attack Victims May Face Heightened Depression Risk - And men more susceptible than women to psychological problems, study finds

• Childhood Music Lessons May Create Better Listeners - Even a few years' training in childhood confers benefits years later, small study suggests

• Older Dads May Raise Risk for Autism, Schizophrenia in Kids - New mutations in male DNA increase with age, study finds

• West Nile Outbreak Could Be Biggest Ever: CDC - Thirty-eight states have reported infections, almost half of 1,118 cases in Texas

• Microbiology and Genome Experts Quell Deadly Bacteria Outbreak - Collaboration helped control multi-drug resistant bacterial infection at research hospital

• Tainted Tattoo Ink Led to Skin Infection Outbreak - Premixed 'gray wash' product found as culprit has been discontinued

• Weight-Loss Surgery May Help Prevent Type 2 Diabetes - Medications, lifestyle changes still first-line prevention, researchers say

• New Immune-Deficiency Illness Emerging in East Asia - Researchers say the syndrome mimics the weakened state of HIV infection, but cause remains unclear

• Minority Fifth Graders Face Health Obstacles, Study Finds - But with similar schools, family income, disparities declined

• Health Tip: Defining Fibromyalgia - Symptoms typically include widespread pain and tender points

• Health Tip: If You Have Anxiety - These suggestions may help

Tuesday August 21, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 21, 2012

• Close Relative's Early Death May Raise Your Heart Risk: Study - But healthy lifestyle lessens the odds of cardiovascular disease, expert says

• Teens Who Drink, Smoke More Likely to Abuse Painkillers: Study - An estimated 3.5 million young adults in U.S. abuse prescription opioids, researchers say

• Teens Benefit by Spending More Time With Parents - Encounters with Dad may boost self-worth and social skills the most, research suggests

• Stem Cells Fix Bladder Leakage in Mice, Study Finds - In women, stress urinary incontinence is related to pregnancy, older age

• Late-Night Cramming May Hurt School Test Results - Research suggests trading sleep for study may be a bad idea

• Study Casts Doubt on Link Between MS and Vein Trouble - Researchers say compromised blood flow is not a cause of the disease

• Popular Characters Can Help Kids Eat Healthy Foods Too - Branding tactics used to sell junk food also may be used to promote better nutrition, research shows

• Soy Formula May Harm Babies With Underactive Thyroid: Report - Two cases highlight how it interferes with absorption of critical medication

• Antibiotic Use in Infants Tied to Overweight Later: Study - Babies receiving these drugs before 6 months of age were heavier for height at 3 years

• No Truth to Candidate's Claim That Rape Hinders Pregnancy, Experts Say - Leading ob/gyn group in United States calls Rep. Akin's remarks 'inaccurate, offensive'

• 40 Proven Strategies to Improve Public Health - Affordable healthy foods, public smoking bans among the methods shown to work

• Unhappy Kids Are More Materialistic, Study Finds - Research with children ages 8 to 10 says TV ads play big part in 'spoiling' those who aren't content

• Rosie O'Donnell's Heart Attack a Lesson for Women - Symptoms can be subtler than in men, experts say

• Newer Drug-Releasing Stent Cuts Chances of Cardiac Events: Study - One releasing biolimus showed better outcomes than bare metal stents

• Statins Won't Hurt, Might Even Help, Your Pancreas: Study - Findings contradict previous reports on possible connection

• 2 Tests May Improve Heart Patients' Care, Studies Suggest - But experts say coronary artery calcium scans, best at predicting disease, have drawbacks

• Doctors Who 'Self-Refer' to Radiation Clinics Add to Patients' Burden: Study - In Texas, prostate cancer patients had to travel longer distances to use physician-affiliated center

• Health Tip: Symptoms of Foot Arthritis - Signs you should see a doctor

• Health Tip: When Children Develop Hearing Loss - Here are common warning signs

Monday August 20, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 20, 2012

• Health, Social Life Improve After Weight-Loss Surgery: Study - Patients sought better condition, self-esteem, activity levels

• Could Food Flavors Act Like Mood-Stabilizing Drugs? - Early study suggests chemical similarities between prescription meds and certain foods

• Tying the Knot Ups Women's Drinking Rate, Lowers Mens' - Study also found that men were more likely to hit the bottle after divorce

• Working Moms Report Better Health Than Those Who Stay Home - Mothers who work full time seem to benefit more than those who work part time, researchers say

• Secondhand Smoke May Impair Children's Cough Reflex - Reduced sensitivity to respiratory irritants could raise pneumonia risk, researchers say

• Anesthesia Before Age 3 May Raise Risk of Learning Delays: Study - Research found even one exposure is associated with language deficits by age 10

• Vaccinations Belong on Parents' Back-to-School Checklists - Preventable diseases can threaten children's lives, expert warns

• College Students Who Binge Drink Say They're Happier - Study found richer, 'high-status' students more likely to overindulge, while others may do so to fit in

• Black Belts' Punching Power Linked to Their Brain Structure - Brain scans show how coordinated movements can boost strength of martial arts experts

• Dense Breasts Not Linked to Cancer Deaths - Worse breast cancer survival seen with low-density tissue in obese women, study finds

• Obesity in Middle Age Tied to More Rapid Mental Decline: Study - 'Fat and fit' concept may not apply to brain function, research suggests

• Many U.S. Doctors Have Symptoms of Burnout: Survey - Emotional exhaustion, cynicism in physicians may affect patient care, expert says

• Stroke Risk Higher After Bypass Than Angioplasty: Analysis - About 1 in 80 surgery patients, 1 in 300 angioplasty patients have stroke complication, new review shows

• Curbing Circumcision Boosts STDs, Study Contends - Resulting infections, including HIV, could add billions to U.S. health spending, researchers say

• Newer Psoriasis Drugs May Lower Heart Attack Risk for Patients - TNF blockers, other older treatments seemed to cut risk compared to topical meds in study

• Men Have a Greater Lifetime Risk for Kidney Failure: Study - About 1 in 93 men and 1 in 133 women will develop kidney failure if they live to 80, researchers find

• Health Tip: Am I at Risk for Gallstones? - Check your family history

• Health Tip: Applying Insect Repellent - Read the instructions carefully

Sunday August 19, 2012

• College Freshmen Urged to Keep Excess Pounds Away - Dietitian says even small weight gain raises students' risk for chronic disease

Saturday August 18, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 18, 2012

• Chemicals From Soaps, Cleansers Found in Minnesota Waterways - Overuse of antimicrobials can promote drug-resistant germs, researchers warn

Friday August 17, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 17, 2012

• Experimental Drug May Cut Severe Asthma Attacks: Study - Mepolizumab might help patients reduce oral steroid use, researcher says

• Sharp as a Tack at 90: Here's Why - Brain scans found these 'SuperAgers' had thicker cortexes than their peers

• Teens With ADHD May Need Help Making Transition to College - Experts offer suggestions for students on how to compensate for their disorder

• Global Tobacco Use Remains High, Survey Finds - China and India have the highest number of tobacco users and lowest quit ratios

• Dallas Launches Insecticide Spraying Against West Nile Virus - The north Texas area has been hit hard by the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease this summer

• Solving the Medical Mystery of Cold Feet - Scientists find more puzzle pieces to explain circulatory condition known as Raynaud's disease

• Breast-Milk Compound May Shield Babies From HIV - Only 10% to 15% of breast-fed infants get virus from infected mothers, researchers say

• Healthy-Looking Pigs at State Fair Found to Have Swine Flu - CDC offers infection precautions for summer fairgoers

• College Students Don't Respect Peers Who 'Hook Up' Too Much: Survey - Male athletes, fraternity members likelier to judge women more harshly

• Cervical Disease Treatment Not Linked to Premature Birth Risk - Findings counter previous research, U.K. study says

• ADHD May Raise Girls' Risk for Suicide as Young Adults - Also more likely to self-injure as young women, study shows

• Smoking During Pregnancy May Cause Asthma, Wheezing in Kids - More breathing problems seen in preschoolers even if mothers stopped smoking once they were born

• Health Tip: Protect Kids With a Life Jacket - Enforce these rules

• FDA Approves Generic Versions of Actos - Diabetes drug helps control blood sugar in adults with type 2 disease

Thursday August 16, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 16, 2012

• Chemo During Pregnancy Doesn't Seem to Harm Newborn - More research needed on the long-term effects of chemotherapy exposure in the womb, expert says

• With Very Sick Infants, Doctors and Parents Often Miscommunicate - Mothers often have different impressions of their babies' condition than physicians meant to convey

• Sleep Apnea Affects Many Women, Too - Study finds obesity, high blood pressure raise the odds for disorder

• Two-Thirds of U.S. Youth Have Had Oral Sex, CDC Reports - Many may believe it's safer than it actually is, expert says

• North Texas Cities to Start West Nile Spraying Thursday - Dallas, Fort Worth area has been hit hard by the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease

• Kids Who Can Resist Sweets Might Be Slimmer as Adults - Decades-long research shows self-control as tot may mean an obesity-free maturity

• Male Birth Control Drug Shows Promise in Mice - Nonhormonal method avoids side effects, researchers say

• 'Yo-Yo' Dieting Won't Harm Long-Term Weight Loss Efforts - Study found no differences among 'weight cyclers' and others as time went on

• Chickenpox Cases Fall 80% Over Decade: CDC - Two-dose schedule will deliver further improvement, experts say

• New Brain Measurements Can Pinpoint Children's Age - Taken together, they might help detect developmental disorders, researchers say

• Does Just Feeling Fat Make You Gain Weight? - Study shows teens with a bloated body image more likely to become fat in their 20s

• High-Potency Pot in Pregnancy May Cause Brain Damage - Study finds babies at higher risk for devastating birth defect, later learning disabilities

• Most Parents Think Social Media Not a Bad Thing: Survey - Many believe it prepares their kids for future work world, broadens their thinking

• Test All Baby Boomers for Hepatitis C: CDC - Most people who are infected don't know it, agency noted

• Blacks More Prone to Hypertension After Certain Strokes - Researchers not sure why racial gap exists

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: An Underestimated Threat - Study finds 450 Americans die, more than 2,000 are hospitalized each year

• Older Americans Living Longer, But Becoming More Obese - Government report on seniors also found more working women, higher housing costs

• Health Tip: Manage Heartburn During Pregnancy - Watch what and when you eat

• Health Tip: Are You Overtraining? - Performance decline is a primary symptom

Wednesday August 15, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 15, 2012

• More Delays in Brain Growth Seen With ADHD - Latest study finds the covering of the cerebral cortex developed more slowly

• A Few Hours of Weekly Exercise May Help Women's Bones - Study found effect on proteins involved with bone growth in pre-menopausal women

• Poor Economy Tied to Rise in Suicides, British Study Finds - Researchers estimate recession spurred about 1,000 cases in 2008-2010

• Routine Screening Won't Cut Rates of Domestic Violence, Study Suggests - Researchers saw no benefit for women who got doctor's office-based screen vs. those who did not

• Drinking in Pregnancy Shows Up in Child's Growth: Study - Research finds reduced height, weight, head size in kids whose mothers drank heavily while expecting

• New 'Brain-Cleaning' System Discovered in Mice - It drains the brain of waste products, researchers report

• Egg Yolks Almost as Bad for Arteries as Smoking: Study - But industry and some health experts say the food may not be so dangerous

• Some Families May Have Natural Protection Against Dementia - Protein related to inflammation is linked to lower risk, study shows

• Three Kids Dead From Codeine After Surgery: FDA - Youngsters who metabolize the pain killer faster than usual are at risk, experts warn

• High BPA Levels Seen in People With Narrowed Arteries: Study - More of chemical used in plastics showed up in the urine of adults with coronary artery disease

• New Drug Appears to Extend Survival in Advanced Prostate Cancer Patients - Study found enzalutamide helped men whose disease had resisted chemo, hormone therapy

• Man's Best Friend Points the Way in Genetic Research - Dog breeds offer clues to human diseases, scientists report

• PSA Test's Overall Benefit Still Unclear: Study - When harms of overdiagnosis are considered, cancer screen's value drops

• New Pill Appears Effective, Safe for Ulcerative Colitis: Study - Tofacitinib relieved symptoms in short term, but effects over time not yet known

• Health Tip: Get Baby Moving - Exercise is healthy, even for infants

• Health Tip: Are You at Risk for Plantar Fasciitis? - Factors include lifestyle and weight

Tuesday August 14, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 14, 2012

• Drug May Aid People With Advanced Thyroid Cancer - First treatment for this deadly form of the disease, researchers say

• FDA Approves Flu Vaccine for Coming Season - Two of the three strains picked weren't in last year's shot, experts note

• Parents' Religious Beliefs Can Complicate Kids' End-of-Life Care - Hoping for a miracle might lead them to request futile treatments for their children, researchers say

• Genetic Studies Give Clues to Tourette Syndrome, OCD - But specific genes for the mental health conditions have yet to be pinpointed

• Dallas, Fort Worth Area Braces for West Nile Spraying - The Texas cities have been hit hard by the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease

• Baby's Healthy Diet Feeds IQ, Study Finds - Infants, toddlers reared on junk food scored slightly lower at 8 years

• Pain Reported by Nearly Half With Type 2 Diabetes - Specialized treatment may be needed to improve quality of life, researchers suggest

• Older Antipsychotics May Work as Well as Newer Ones: Review - First-generation medications are also much cheaper, researchers note

• Pregnancy May Raise Risk of Cerebral Bleeding in Some Women - Blood vessel tangles more likely to rupture in brain when expecting, research shows

• Thyroid Treatment Guidelines for Pregnant Women Revised - Overactive or underactive thyroid can lead to dangerous medical conditions for mothers, newborns

• Newer Bone Drug Better for Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: Study - But expert says it's too soon to say it will replace older drug

• Physical, Mental Toll of Japanese Nuke Plant Meltdown Assessed - Residents living near doomed reactor showed relatively low radiation exposure, study found

• Your Blood Type May Boost Your Heart Risk, Study Finds - But lifestyle is still more important, experts say

• Couples Therapy May Help Combat PTSD - Study finds reduction in symptoms, greater relationship satisfaction

• Hepatitis A Vaccine for Children Lasts for 10 Years: Study - Cases of the virus in the U.S. have decreased by 90 percent over the past 20 years, research shows

• Health Tip: Is Anxiety Affecting Your Child? - Insomnia is a potential warning sign

• Health Tip: If You Have Tinnitus - Ringing in the ears may signal hearing loss

• Health Tip: Protect Your Child in Extreme Heat - Have an air-conditioned place in mind

• Flu Season's Vaccine Approved - Two of three strains weren't in last season's vaccine

Monday August 13, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 13, 2012

• Condition Commonly Seen in Aging May Alter Brain Function - Small study suggests 'leukoaraiosis' is not harmless after all

• Junk Food Laws in Schools May Mean Healthier Kids: Study - In states with toughest regulations, kids more likely to maintain healthy body weight

• Snoring Toddlers May Have More Behavior Problems - But breast-feeding helped protect against snoring in youngsters, study found

• Study Questions Guidelines on Radiation for Older Breast Cancer Patients - Current advisory says no to radiation post-lumpectomy, but new data suggest otherwise

• Two Antibiotics Linked to Liver Injury in Elderly - But while serious, these cases are relatively rare, study says

• Scientists ID New Gene Regions Linked to Type 2 Diabetes - Findings help shed light on condition's genetics, biology

• Hepatitis C Treatment May Hamper Kids' Growth - Study found weight returned to normal after peginterferon, but not always height

• Fat Stats: 30% of Adults in 12 States Now Obese - South, Midwest claim high proportion, researchers find

• Strategy May Help ER Docs Spot Heart Attacks Within an Hour - Cardiac enzyme data may enhance diagnosis, but some experts say more study is needed

• More Evidence That Exercise in Middle Age Boosts Health - Brisk walking, biking, even house and yard work can cut harmful inflammation, study finds

• Retinal Device Restores Sight to Blind Mice - Researchers hope to start human trials next

• Could Chocolate's Antioxidants Boost Brain Function? - In small study, a flavanol-rich cocoa drink seemed to have an effect, but one expert is unconvinced

• Many Test Results Left Unread as Patients Leave Hospital: Study - Electronic records could prevent important information from falling through cracks, expert says

• Not Enough Data to Advise Routine Hearing Screens for Older People: Experts - Hearing loss affects up to 40 percent of adults aged 50 and older

• Dallas-Fort Worth Brace for West Nile Spraying - The Texas cities have been hit hard by the potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease

• Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Fire - Make sure all smoke detectors are working

• Health Tip: Possible Signs of an Ear Infection - They include pulling at the ear

Sunday August 12, 2012

• Parents Can Adapt, Thrive After 'Empty Nest' - The parent-child relationship evolves, but doesn't end when kids leave for college, expert explains

• Safety Eyewear Can Prevent Sports Injuries in Kids - Back-to-school season can mean more eye injuries, expert warns

Saturday August 11, 2012

• Expert Tips for Summer Sports Safety - Warmer weather requires a few extra precautions for active adults, young athletes

• How to Quell 9th-Grade Angst - Freshman year can set the tone for entire high school career, expert says

Friday August 10, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 10, 2012

• Statins' Heart Benefits Outweigh Diabetes Risk: Study - Even those at risk from diabetes benefit from lower cholesterol, experts say

• Childhood Friendships May Be Key to Adult Happiness - Quality of relationships has more effect than intelligence or academic record, study finds

• 'Exergames' Can Help Inactive Folks Get Moving: Study - But active video gamers may not reach recommended levels of physical activity, researchers say

• Workers With Disabilities More Prone to Injuries: Study - Falls, transportation were leading causes, U.S. study found

• Pay Attention in Preschool, Graduate From College: Study - Certain social, behavioral skills at young age key to later academic success, researchers found

• Migraines Not Linked to Decline in Thinking Skills - No difference seen over long term between those with or without the painful headaches

• The 'Nocebo' Effect: If You Think You'll Get Sick, You Will - Study author suggests doctors give patients less info on potential drug side effects, but is that ethical?

• Dental Woes Abound for Developmentally Disabled: Study - Problems such as gum disease, missing teeth threaten their overall health, experts say

• Babies of Heavy Moms Grow Slower: Study - Findings suggest obesity epidemic harms kids even before birth

• FDA Gives Nod to First Drug for Diabetic Eye Disease - Diabetic macular edema can blur vision, has only one other treatment option

• Mold Exposure in Infancy May Raise Asthma Risk - Three species linked to wheezing at age 7

• Dyslexia May Be Caused by Signal Processing Problem in Brain - Researchers hope study findings will lead to more treatment options

• Daily Aspirin May Cut Cancer Deaths, Another Study Finds - But drug has bleeding risks and shouldn't be used solely to prevent cancer, experts say

• 'Greening' Vacant Lots May Boost Safety - Well-tended parcels linked to decline in violent crime, small study shows

• Health Tip: Offering Baby or Toddler Solid Food? - Make sure the child is ready

• Health Tip: Help Keep Bed Bugs at Bay - Cover your mattresses and box springs

• Lucentis Approved for Diabetic Macular Edema - Leading cause of diabetic blindness

Thursday August 9, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 9, 2012

• Two Languages Better Than One for Kids' Brains: Study - Bilingual children excel at problem-solving, creative thinking, research suggests

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients May Have Higher Risk for Gum Disease - Small study also found disease was more severe, but cause and effect not proven

• Stressed-Out Men May Prefer Heavier Women - Study suggests evolution could explain why males are programmed this way

• Workers Counseled on Back Pain Return to Job Sooner - Study found reassurance, advice to stay active aided recovery

• Gonorrhea Resistant to All But One Antibiotic: CDC - Agency issues new guidelines: Rocephin should be first-line treatment

• Reductions in U.S. Teen Smoking Stalled: CDC - 30 percent of high school males now use some form of tobacco, study shows

• When Partner Has Breast Cancer, Men Find Their Own Ways to Cope - Support groups don't meet their emotional needs, study finds

• Birds' Songs Reflect Changing Weather Patterns: Study - Extreme differences in precipitation trigger more complex warbles, study shows

• Electrical Brain Stimulation Curbs Epileptic Seizures in Rats - Implantable device short-circuits attacks, researcher says

• Humira Might Help Kids With Tough-to-Treat Crohn's Disease - 'Biologic' drug spurred remission for a third of patients 6 months into treatment, study found

• Male Diners Tip Better When Waitress Wears Red: Study - Men gave up to 26% more to waitresses in red, but color didn't effect female customers, researchers say

• Sharp Spike Seen in Swine Flu Cases: CDC - Number of reported illnesses has jumped 5-fold this week

• High-Risk Heterosexuals Should Take HIV Prevention Pill, Too - More than 1 in 4 new HIV infections in U.S. in 2009 involved heterosexuals, research shows

• Calcium, Vitamin D Supplements May Pose Risks for Men With Prostate Cancer - They're used to fight treatment-related bone loss, but supplements may harm, not help, study finds

• Health Tip: Caring for an Ingrown Toenail - Soaking in warm water can help prevent infection

• Health Tip: Protect Against Food Poisoning During Pregnancy - Products you shouldn't eat

• Marqibo Approved for Rare Leukemia - Sanctioned as an orphan drug

Wednesday August 8, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 8, 2012

• All That Txtng May B Hrtng Kids' Grammar - Parents can set good example by avoiding shorthand like 'ur' and '2' in own text messages, expert says

• Study Compares Safety of 'Biologic' Meds for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Humira, Enbrel and Remicade pose similar death risk, making choice a bit easier for patients, experts say

• Balance, Strength Training Reduce Falls for Elderly, Study Finds - Researchers recommend incorporating these exercises into everyday activities

• Brain Scans May Spot Teens at Risk for Problem Drinking - Findings also point to harms of excessive alcohol use

• Fainting Might Run in Families, Twin Study Finds - Multiple genes and environmental factors influence the phenomenon, researchers say

• Underinsured Heart Disease Patients Die Sooner, Study Finds - Insurance status seems to be a better predictor of survival than race, researchers say

• New Vaccine May Offer Protection From Deadly Nipah Virus - Virus causes serious respiratory distress syndrome and encephalitis, researchers say

• Vaginal Deliveries as Safe as C-Sections for Most Preterm Births - But study shows Cesareans have lower risk of death for preemies in breech position

• 7-Day Stuttering Therapy May Get Results, Study Says - Scans suggest the experimental treatment reorganizes the way the brain works

• Patients Often Kept in Dark About 'Off-Label' Drug Use: Study - Docs commonly prescribe meds in ways that are not FDA-approved, researchers say

• New Pill Might Relieve Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis - Studies suggest drug works but may have serious side effects

• Mechanical Device Helps Kids Waiting for Heart Transplant - Pediatric ventricular assist device buys time for young patients with severe heart failure

• TB Vaccine Promising as New Way to Fight Type 1 Diabetes - Study found vaccine triggered death of rogue immune-system cells

• Too Much Travel May Be Tough on Olympians - Study finds traveling across more than five time zones to compete raises chances of illness

• Health Tip: Diabetes Isn't a Ticket to Inactivity - But discuss plans with your doctor before you exercise

• Health Tip: Jumping Rope for Exercise - Start on the right foot

Tuesday August 7, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 7, 2012

• Parents Spank, Slap Kids in Public More Often Than Thought - And fathers are more likely than people think to use a gentle approach, study found

• In Short Term, Weight-Loss Surgery Doesn't Raise Fracture Risk - But study found slightly higher risk several years after procedure

• More Kids Taking Antipsychotics for ADHD: Study - Unapproved uses of these powerful drugs need further investigation, experts say

• Study Uses Stem Cells to Boost Red Blood Cell Production - New method could dramatically increase transfusion blood supply, researchers say

• Steroids Won't Ease Most Sinusitis Attacks, Study Finds - Increasingly popular treatment as ineffective as antibiotics against viral infections

• Few Follow Car Safety Guidelines for Kids, Study Finds - Common problems include lack of proper restraints, youngsters sitting in front seat

• Playfulness May Be Nature's Way of Helping Romance Bloom: Study - Trait could signal nonaggression in men, youth and fertility in women, researchers say

• Genetic Research Sheds Light on Jewish Diaspora - Jews originating in North Africa more related to each other than their non-Jewish neighbors, study shows

• Grapefruit Juice May Give Boost to Cancer Treatment: Study - Combination could reduce drug doses for patients, study suggests

• More Americans Walking, But Still Not Enough, CDC Says - Almost half of adults don't get enough exercise to improve their health: report

• Drinking Iced Tea Raises Kidney Stone Risk: Study - Kidney stones affect about 10 percent of the U.S. population, researchers say

• Normal-Weight People With Type 2 Diabetes Have Higher Death Risk: Study - In surprise finding, odds of dying twice as high if weight is normal at diagnosis

• Cholesterol Levels Getting Better for U.S. Kids: CDC - But small gains may be offset by obesity crisis, expert warns

• Weekends More Fatal for Older Patients With Head Injury: Study - Death risk rose when hospital admission occurred on Saturday, Sunday

• Increasingly, More Education Linked to Longer Lifespan in U.S. - Study also found life expectancy for certain groups regressed to levels of decades past

• Health Tip: Maintain Your Ideal Weight - Check it weekly

• Health Tip: Help Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay - Don't share utensils

Monday August 6, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 6, 2012

• Grateful Teens May Have Less Risk for Depression, Other Problems - Parents, teachers can help kids learn to identify good things in their lives, study says

• Living Without Lies Might Make You Healthier - Study found those who fibbed less had fewer headaches, less anxiety

• Honey a Sweet Treatment for Kids' Night-Time Cough - Given before bedtime, study found this home remedy improved symptoms of common cold

• Violent TV Shows Keep Young Kids Awake: Study - Preschoolers who stuck to nonviolent fare just before bed were much more likely to sleep well

• Chronic 'Butter Flavoring' Exposure Linked to Harmful Brain Process - Working with diacetyl may raise risk of proteins clumping in the brain, similar to Alzheimer's: study

• Eyes May Be Key to Spotting Who's Straight, Gay - Study suggests pupil dilation points to sexual orientation when viewing erotic imagery

• Severely Obese Donors Raise Risks for Kids With Liver Transplant - Children with organs from these adult donors were more likely to lose grafts and die, study found

• Minority Patients at Higher Risk of Having Ambulances Diverted - California researcher says rerouting to other ERs can harm patients' health

• Implantable Defibrillators Linked to Decline in Cardiac Arrests - 1 in 20 carriers can expect a life-saving shock each year, researcher says

• More Evidence That Exercise Helps Fight Diabetes - Studies found staying active cut death risk in type 2 disease, which weight training helped prevent in men

• Tourette Patients Benefit From Behavioral Therapy: Study - Adults with condition learned to better prevent, manage symptoms like tics

• Brain Scans of 'Hoarders' Show Unique Abnormalities - Researchers say finding shows behavior is different from other obsessive-compulsive disorders

• Blood Pressure Drugs Linked to Lip Cancer in Study - But risk is extremely small and not reason to change meds, expert says

• Hormone May Boost Aging, Failing Brains - Treatment might help healthy adults and those with early memory problems, study finds

• Brain's Connections May Predict Intelligence: Study - Intelligence based on prefrontal cortex's effective communication with rest of brain

• Sugary Sports Drinks Plentiful at U.S. Schools: Study - Fewer stock soda, but fruit beverages, Gatorade-like drinks are widely available

• Health Tip: If You Have Sweaty Feet - Be sure to clean them daily

• Health Tip: Focus on Healthy Aging - Don't smoke, and limit alcohol

Sunday August 5, 2012

• Sleep Loss Often Disruptive for City Kids With Asthma - Study linked combination to missed school days, ER visits and less sports participation

Saturday August 4, 2012

• In-Person Bullying Still Bigger Problem Than Cyberbullying: Expert - Studies in U.S., Norway found 'traditional' forms of torment are more common among kids

Friday August 3, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 3, 2012

• Breast Cancer Charity Overstates Value of Mammograms: Researchers - But, Komen official maintains routine screening gives best chance for improved survival

• 'Spray-on Skin' May Someday Heal Stubborn Leg Ulcers - But manufacturer-funded study is preliminary and treatment cost unknown

• Exercise May Ease Depression Tied to Heart Failure - One year of regular aerobic activity provided modest mental health benefits, study says

• Some Improvement in Heart Risk Factors for Americans: CDC - But nearly half have a predisposing issue such as hypertension, high cholesterol, agency says

• Sleepiness Hampers Job Performance, Study Confirms - Effects get worse over time and can affect vision-oriented tasks, even in folks who don't feel tired

• Human Culture May Date Back 44,000 Years - Artifacts found in South Africa reveal earliest use of poison and beeswax

• Could Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Pose Skin Cancer Risk? - Tiny flaws in all brands tested allowed emission of harmful UV rays, study found

• College Students Who Use Tanning Beds Often Burn: Study - Ultraviolet exposure not 'controlled' as advertised, researchers warn

• Allergies May Plague Renters More Than Homeowners - Those who rent less likely to take steps to reduce indoor allergy triggers, study finds

• Fitter Kids May Make Better Grades: Study - Policymakers should realize the importance of phys-ed classes, researcher says

• Extreme Heat Biggest Weather Killer, Expert Warns - Older people who live alone at greater risk for heat-related illness

• 'Virtual' Patients New Addition to Psychiatry? - Researcher sees future for his characters in training sessions

• Trauma Patients at Higher Risk of Dying of Hypothermia: Study - Paramedics can help by controlling IV temperature and heating ambulance, researcher says

• Race-Day Diet Can Make or Break a Competitive Cyclist - HealthDay reporter describes nutrition regimen for grueling West Coast bike ride

• Child Abuse Might Alter Onset of Menstruation in Girls - Those who suffered sexual, physical trauma began periods earlier or later than average

• Don't Trust 'Dr. Google' for Help on Infant Sleep Safety - Study finds many Web searches turn up erroneous info on avoiding SIDS, other dangers

• CDC Preparing Vaccine for New Swine Flu - No sustained person-to-person transmission yet, but this virus has a gene linked to pandemic flu

• Low Vitamin D Levels May Raise Death Risk in Older Adults: Study - Although cause and effect not proven, frail seniors appeared most vulnerable

• Health Tip: If Your Child Gets Headaches - Keep a log of symptoms to help doctors isolate a cause

• Zaltrap Approved for Advanced Colorectal Cancer - Among people whose cancer has spread

• First Generic Versions of Singulair Approved - Treats asthma and allergies

Thursday August 2, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 2, 2012

• Asthma Common Among Olympic Athletes - Chronic airway conditions affect 8 percent of the elite competitors, research shows

• Common Skin Cancer a Chronic Condition, Study Says - Risk of new lesions doubles for those with three prior basal cell carcinomas

• Why Women Outlive Men: Fruit Flies Give Clues - Genetic mutations affect aging patterns of males, but not females, research shows

• Pregnant Mothers' Gut Changes May Support Fetal Growth - Women's gut microbes become less 'normal' and less diverse as pregnancy progresses, study shows

• Most Americans With Celiac Disease Don't Realize It: Study - On the other hand, many without the disease needlessly follow gluten-free diets

• West Nile Virus on the Rise in US: CDC - Health officials recommend steps to avoid the mosquito-borne infection

• Smokers Drop Pricey Cigarettes for Cheaper Alternatives: CDC - Other tobacco products allow industry to work around tax hikes, labeling regs, study authors say

• Expert Tips May Help Kids Avoid Allergens at School - Common allergy triggers in classrooms, on playgrounds spur 14 million absences a year in U.S.

• When Parents Get Active, So Do Kids: Study - Weekends are ideal time to get moving as a family, researchers say

• Musicians' Brains Might Have an Edge on Aging - Study found seniors with musical training outperformed others on thinking, memory tests

• Modest Weight Loss Can Reap Prolonged Health Benefits - Study found reduced diabetes risk, even if weight returned

• 'Diverted' Medical Marijuana Use Common Among Teens: Study - Policy changes needed to keep the drug from falling into the wrong hands, researchers say

• Alzheimer's Progression Slower After 80: Study - Finding has implications for cost of patient care and testing of new treatments, experts say

• Health Tip: Quench Your Thirst Without Extra Calories - Healthier beverages to keep you cool

• Health Tip: If Your Older Child Wets the Bed - Ask the pediatrician if it could mean a medical problem

Wednesday August 1, 2012

• Health Highlights: Aug. 1, 2012

• Even Mild Depression, Anxiety Hurts the Heart: Study - The risk rises as chronic mental distress becomes more intense, study says

• Poor Sleep Hampers Vaccine Effectiveness: Study - Adults who slept less than six hours nightly weren't adequately protected from virus

• Too Much Bottled Water Might Harm Kids' Teeth - As Americans rely less on tap water, lack of fluoride could be a concern, experts say

• Signs of ADHD Evident by Preschool, Expert Says - Early identification improves odds for social, academic success

• Wider Waistlines Put Damper on Men's Sex Lives: Study - As obesity rises, males encounter sexual dysfunction more often, research shows

• New Clues to How HIV Infects Body's Cells - Study of mice found the virus 'hitches a ride' on immune system's T cells to reach remote locations

• Workers With Paid Sick Days Healthier, More Productive: Study - In U.S., only 40 million private-sector employees had access to paid leave in 2010, research shows

• In Mice, Alzheimer's-Linked Protein Shows Promise Against MS - Amyloid beta has long been tied to dementia, but injections slowed MS progression

• Evidence Grows That Cancer Has Its Own Stem Cells - Three new studies in mice may explain why some tumors resist aggressive treatment

• Boys' Impulsiveness May Add Up to Edge in Math - Because they're risk-takers, they get more practice, researchers say

• Caffeine May Help Treat Parkinson's Disease - Three cups of coffee daily seems to ease motor symptoms, study finds

• Many Americans in Denial Over Weight Gain: Study - While average adult weight rose in 2008-2009, most surveyed thought they'd dropped pounds

• Breast Cancer Drug Duo Wins Out in Study - Combining two currently used meds improved survival, reduced disease spread

• Depression Could Shorten Cancer Survival, Study Suggests - Screening for mental health should be part of standard care, experts say

• Pets May Help Kids With Autism Develop Social Skills - Study found if animal came into home after child was born, communication improved

• Untreated Rabies May Not Be Lethal for All, Study Says - Some have natural resistance to infection from bat bites, researchers report

• Health Tip: Prevent Food Cross-Contamination - If you or a loved one has a food allergy

• Health Tip: Keep Your Child Safe in a High Chair - Make sure it's sturdy

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