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February 2013

Thursday February 28, 2013

• Health Highlights: Feb. 28, 2013

• Countries With More Sugar in Food Supply Have More Diabetes - Global study strengthens tie between sweeteners and type 2 disease, experts say

• Babies Born to Obese Women Show Thicker Arteries: Study - This could be a very early signal of cardiovascular issues, Australian researchers say

• Shared Genes May Link ADHD, Autism and Depression - Largest study of its kind also found ties to schizophrenia, bipolar disorders

• When Kids Exercise More, Their Grades Might Rise Too - Study of young students questions value of phasing out PE in public schools

• More Regular Meals May Improve Dementia Care - In small study, improved nutrition appeared to help patients' memory, daily function

• With Acne, Bacteria Strain on Your Skin May Be Culprit - Study suggests two types of microbe may lead to acne, while third helps keep skin clear

• Too Much Sitting Could Court Diabetes, Study Finds - There was an effect on blood sugar, other factors even when exercise was factored in

• Fiscal Standoff Could Cause Financial Pain for Health Care - Hospitals, physicians and researchers brace for fallout from mandated spending cuts

• Higher Indoor Humidity Levels Might Slow Flu's Spread - Study found 86 percent of airborne virus particles were stopped in 43 percent humidity

• 1 in 5 Americans Knows a Victim of Gun Violence: Poll - Survey also looked at attitudes toward mental illness following Newtown, Conn., tragedy

• Video Games May Sharpen Focusing Skills in Kids With Dyslexia - Study found children did better on reading tests after playing an action game

• Boosting Patients' Well-Being During Cancer Treatment - Combination of exercises, discussions and deep breathing improve quality of life, specialists say

• Eating Out Can Hurt Heart Health, Expert Warns - One tip for restaurant-goers: avoid menu items that are fried, battered, creamy or cheesy

• Man Who Got Smallpox Vaccine Passes Milder Infection to Sex Partner: CDC - Transmission is common if the vaccine wound is not covered, expert says

• Are Trusting Friendships Easier Between Straight Women, Gay Men? - Study suggests lack of hidden agenda allows exchange of honest relationship advice

• Blocked Heart Arteries May Be Key Risk Factor for Stroke - The more calcium inside vessels, the higher the odds for the brain attacks, study found

• More Evidence That Smoking Raises Breast Cancer Risk - Study found strongest link for women who started smoking early in life

• One in Five U.S. Smokers Has Tried an 'E-Cigarette' - CDC says public health effect of device remains to be seen

• Ultrasound Allows Early Detection of Fluid in Dialysis Patients' Lungs - In study of people with kidney failure, fluid overload predicted heart problems, death

• Health Tip: Watch Your Cholesterol When Dining Out - Use these tips to stick to healthy meals

• Health Tip: Develop Good Sleep Habits - To wake refreshed each morning

Wednesday February 27, 2013

• Health Highlights: Feb. 27, 2013

• H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine Tied to Sleep Disorder in British Children - Pandemrix also found to raise narcolepsy risk in previous European studies

• Depressed Patients May Gain From Self-Help Books, Websites - These low-intensity interventions deemed good first steps in treatment

• Niacin-Statin Combo May Cause Side Effects for Heart Patients - Study found that about one-quarter of participants dropped the vitamin due to adverse effects

• Most New Mothers Skip Sex for at Least 6 Weeks After Childbirth - Australian study found type of delivery, age of woman made a difference

• Cohabiting Same-Sex Couples Report Worse Health Than Married Heterosexuals - Study author suggests that stress, discrimination might play a role

• Dog Study Raises Prospect of Biological Pacemaker for Humans - But experts say the concept, powered by gene therapy, will have to clear many hurdles to challenge the electronic kind

• Brain Connections Differ in Children With Autism - Study found more short-range connections, fewer long-range connections

• U.S. Teen Birth Rates Highest in Rural Areas, Research Shows - Major cities had biggest decline in teen childbearing over the last 2 decades

• Diabetes Doesn't Seem to Raise Risks After Knee Replacement - Rates of infection, blood clots similar in those with and without the condition, study finds

• Foods Might Serve Up High Levels of Chemicals Found in Plastics - Manufacturing process might introduce hormone-disrupting chemicals into dairy products, spices, researcher says

• Experimental Vitiligo Treatment Shows Promise in Mice - Genetic research could hold key to reversing the skin pigment disorder, but more study needed

• Leukemia Patients Get Treatment Boost From Donors' Immune Cells - Small, early study may have found a way to help marrow transplants work without immune troubles

• Before Deciding on Breast Implants, Consider FDA Precautions - First, realize that future surgeries are likely, agency says

• Sibling's Death May Boost Your Own Risk of Dying From Heart Attack: Study - Stress, unhealthy coping methods can follow after losing a brother or sister

• Costs of ER Visits Vary in U.S., Study Finds - Urinary tract infections, kidney stones most expensive among top 10 outpatient conditions

• No Risks to Pregnancy Seen With Morning Sickness Drug - Large Danish study of odansetron found no rise in miscarriage, birth defects

• Artificial Pancreas Worked Overnight on Kids With Type 1 Diabetes - System helped keep blood sugar at safe levels among young campers, study found

• Health Tip: Choose Low-Sodium Foods - Even convenience fare includes healthier options

• Health Tip: Protecting Babies From Whooping Cough - Adults should be vaccinated

Tuesday February 26, 2013

• Health Highlights: Feb. 26, 2013

• Gene Disorder Screen Benefits Baby Boys, Girls Equally: Study - It was previously thought that the deadly form of the birth defect was easier to spot in girls

• 'Worried Well' Often Ignore Negative Test Results: Study - Many of these patients suffer from hypochondria, and continue to have symptoms of imagined disease

• Another Study Says Mediterranean Diet Good for the Heart - It beat a low-fat eating plan in helping high-risk people avoid cardiovascular problems

• Soccer Kicks Up Activity Level of Overweight Kids: Study - After-school program got the heaviest children moving more

• Mother's Drinking Increases Risk of Infant's Death: Study - Babies of women with alcohol problems during or after pregnancy had three times the risk of sudden, unexplained death

• Iron-Rich Diet Might Ease PMS Misery - Plant-based foods with iron, zinc may help stave off monthly symptoms, study found

• Obesity, Exercise May Affect Risk for Key Type of Colon Cancer - Finding could spur doctors to strongly recommend physical activity to vulnerable patients

• Lack of Sleep May Lead to Junk-Food Bingeing - Young men in small study ate more when sleep-deprived