http://www.webmd.com/ WebMD Health - Trustworthy, Credible and Timely Health Information en-us ©2005-2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://a1977.g.akamai.net/f/1977/1448/1d/webmd.download.akamai.com/1448/rss/rss-webmd-logo.gif http://www.webmd.com/ Treatment with oral contraceptives may benefit premenopausal women with asthma, even if their asthma symptoms are not strongly linked to their monthly menstrual cycles, early research suggests. http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20091106/oral-contraceptives-may-help-treat-asthma?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:37:38 EST A new study shows that we can accurately evaluate strangers' personalities based just on appearance. http://www.webmd.com/balance/news/20091106/first-impressions-surprisingly-accurate?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:52:28 EST There's no evidence that abstinence-only sexual education programs cut teens' risk of sexually transmitted disease, HIV, or pregnancy, a task force of public health experts finds. http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20091106/expert-panel-rejects-abstinence-only-sex-ed?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:38:58 EST Colon cancer screening exams may be more effective if done very early in the day rather than later, yielding more polyps per patient, says a new study. http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20091106/early-morning-colon-cancer-tests-work-best?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:35:33 EST The use of anti-clotting drugs, including aspirin, appears to lower the odds that cancer will recur in men undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer, researchers report. http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20091106/aspirin-may-prevent-prostate-cancer-recurrence?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:51:38 EST While frequent exercise is known to fight obesity and improve mental health, as little as 30 minutes of physical activity one or two days a week can have benefits, according to the 2009 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20091106/even-a-little-exercise-fights-obesity?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:26:41 EST The popular pain and fever reliever acetaminophen may be linked with an increased risk of asthma in children and adults, according to a new research review of previously published studies. http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20091105/acetaminophen-may-be-linked-to-asthma-risk?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:31:43 EST A study shows switching to "light" cigarettes may undermine a person's resolve to quit smoking. http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20091105/light-cigarettes-hurt-quit-smoking-effort?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:47:09 EST As many as 100,000 cases of cancer could be prevented in the U.S. each year if Americans get rid of their excess body fat, a report by the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20091105/obesity-linked-to-many-cancer-cases-in-us?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:26:55 EST H1N1 swine flu was detected in a 13-year-old Iowa cat after two members of the family that owns the cat fell ill. The cat, and both humans, recovered. http://pets.webmd.com/cats/news/20091105/cat-gets-h1n1-swine-flu?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:06:11 EST Relaxing in a backyard hot tub may be fun, but potential dangers lurk. A new study shows that as the popularity of hot tubs has increased, so have the number of injuries. http://children.webmd.com/news/20091105/hot-tub-injuries-on-the-rise?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:12:07 EST The cries of infants as young as 3 days old already reflect the language their parents speak, according to a new study that compared the newborn cries of French-born and German-born children. http://children.webmd.com/news/20091105/newborns-cries-reflect-parents-language?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:46:51 EST Coronary artery bypass surgery performed on a beating heart without the aid of a heart-lung machine proved no more effective than traditional bypass surgery, a study comparing the two procedures shows. http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20091104/on-pump-heart-surgery-gets-high-marks?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:31:48 EST Men suffering penis pain and damage from priapism -- erections lasting over 4 hours -- may benefit from a drug used in kids with a severe immune disorder, mouse studies suggest. http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/news/20091104/new-cure-for-4-hour-erections?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:59:05 EST A shorter, cheaper, and more convenient three-week course of radiation appears to work just as well as the traditional six-week schedule for some women with early-stage breast cancer, a new study suggests. http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20091104/quick-radiation-works-for-breast-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:42:55 EST A boost of a highly targeted form of radiation therapy may prevent prostate cancer from coming back, a study of nearly 400 men suggests. http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20091104/proton-boost-may-thwart-prostate-cancers-return?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:25:29 EST A survey of cancer patients shows most want their doctors to be honest about their chances of survival. http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20091104/cancer-patients-want-honesty-from-doctors?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:11:02 EST An experimental human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine shows early promise for preventing genital cancer in high-risk women who are already infected with the virus. http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/news/20091104/experimental-vaccine-targets-genital-cancer?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:04:34 EST Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which makes breathing tough for one in every five people over age 45, is becoming a better-known condition, but nearly half of people surveyed seem unsure that it can be treated, a new survey shows. http://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/news/20091104/copd-awareness-climbs-understanding-lags?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:13:17 EST A study shows that eating too fast can make you prone to overeating by blocking the release of gut hormones that help make you feel full. http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20091104/eating-slowly-may-help-weight-control?src=RSS_PUBLIC Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:31:57 EST Using a gamma knife to target brain cells that work overtime in people with tremors relieved uncontrollable shaking in more than 80% of patients in whom it was tested. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/news/20091103/gamma-knife-relieves-uncontrollable-tremors?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:44:07 EST H1N1 swine flu isn't always severe, but when it's bad, it's really bad. Patients hospitalized with pandemic flu have an 11% fatality rate, California data suggest. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091103/h1n1-swine-flu-deadly-in-all-age-groups?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:09:47 EST Radiation treatment cuts the risk that melanoma will come back in people at high risk for recurrence, a new study suggests. http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/news/20091103/radiation-cuts-odds-melanoma-will-recur?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:07:08 EST Here's a shocking way to help asthma patients catch their breath during a sudden and severe attack: Deliver tiny electrical impulses under the skin in the neck. http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20091103/electrical-stimulation-eases-asthma-attack?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:27:50 EST The high percentage of preterm babies is the main cause of the high infant mortality rate in the U.S., the CDC says in a new report. http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20091103/preemies-raise-us-infant-mortality-rate?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:38:22 EST The majority of men with prostate cancer can be spared from anti-hormone therapy -- and all of its side effects, including impotence, hot flashes, and liver problems, researchers say. http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/news/20091103/prostate-cancer-overtreated?src=RSS_PUBLIC Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:18:42 EST People with shingles are more likely to suffer a recurrence than previously thought, especially if their attack is accompanied by lasting pain, researchers report. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/news/20091102/shingles-recurs-more-often-than-thought?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:20:50 EST Smokers who want to kick the habit are more likely to succeed when they use a combination of long-acting and immediate-delivery nicotine-replacement products, a study shows. http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20091102/more-smokers-quit-with-patches-and-lozenges?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:50:08 EST Pregnant women safely get "robust" protection from one dose of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine; but kids under age 10 really need two doses, NIH studies show. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091102/h1n1-swine-flu-vaccine-protects-pregnant-women?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:13:18 EST A newly discovered strain of MRSA is five times more deadly than other strains, a new study suggests. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20091102/deadlier-strain-of-mrsa-emerges?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:49:15 EST N95 masks may be no better than ordinary disposable surgical masks at preventing the flu, after all. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091102/swine-flu-study-touting-n95-masks-hogwash?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:09 EST A new study shows that children who watch more television -- and even those who are exposed to the television while other people in the home are watching -- are more likely to be aggressive. http://children.webmd.com/news/20091102/tv-linked-to-more-child-aggression?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:14:53 EST Retirement may lead to better sleep for those who don't retire because of health reasons, a new study indicates. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20091102/sleeping-easier-after-retirement?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:57:07 EST Men and women who undergo treatment for sleep apnea not only can improve their general health, but their golf games as well, new research indicates. http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-apnea/news/20091102/sleep-apnea-treatment-helps-your-golf-game?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:43:52 EST Self-testing for HIV is easy, accurate, and acceptable to many people, researchers report. http://www.webmd.com/hiv-aids/news/20091102/home-hiv-testing-feasible?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:28:14 EST Diet soda may keep your total daily calorie count in check, but drinking two or more diet sodas a day may double your risk of declining kidney function, a new study shows. http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20091102/diet-sodas-hard-on-the-kidneys?src=RSS_PUBLIC Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:41:27 EST Vaccination does not appear to cause autism or other health problems -- even in children with certain genetic disorders, a new study suggests. http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20091030/vaccination-safe-for-kids-with-genetic-disorders?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:09:46 EST High fructose intake is linked to high blood pressure, according to a study presented at a medical conference. http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20091030/high-fructose-intake-may-raise-blood-pressure?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:09:08 EST Polymyxin B, an old antibiotic, is joining the list of antibiotics that are facing resistance from infections. http://www.webmd.com/news/20091030/infections-now-rsistant-to-old-antibiotic?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:42:51 EST Last week's 19 new child deaths is the biggest single-week jump since the H1N1 swine flu pandemic began. So far, 114 kids have died of the flu. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091030/child-h1n1-swine-flu-deaths-rising?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:48:40 EST Patients who undergo artificial insemination who lie on their backs for 15 minutes after the procedure may increase their chances of getting pregnant, according to a new study. http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20091030/artificial-insemination-works-better-this-way?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:17:20 EST Researchers are a step closer to developing a vaccine to protect pregnant women against a serious bacterial infection that is a leading cause of death and disability in newborns. http://www.webmd.com/baby/news/20091030/progress-in-quest-for-group-b-strep-vaccine?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:23:22 EST Nearly 17,000 deaths of hospitalized children might have been prevented by having insurance over a span of 18 years, researchers from Johns Hopkins estimate. http://children.webmd.com/news/20091030/lack-of-insurance-puts-kids-in-peril?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:48:00 EST Pregnant women who get the flu vaccine are less likely to have babies who are premature, small for their gestational age, or who have to be hospitalized, according to three new studies. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091030/flu-vaccine-safe-throughout_pregnancy?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:33:49 EST Researchers in South Korea say pumpkin skins contain a powerful antifungal protein that works against the cause of many common yeast infections. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/news/20091030/pumpkin-protein-may-field-off-yeast-infections?src=RSS_PUBLIC Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:22:17 EST Rheumatoid arthritis patients who took TNF-targeting drugs for as long as six years had no more cancers than other patients. http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/news/20091029/study-eases-arthritis-drug-cancer-fears?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:00:42 EST A study showing kids shed H1N1 virus six days after a fever strikes is raising questions about how long children with swine flu are contagious. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091029/kids-shed-h1n1-virus-6-days-after-fever?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:59:54 EST In a study of people hospitalized with seasonal flu, those who were taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs were about 50% less likely to die than those who weren't taking the drugs. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091029/statin-drugs-may-reduce-flu-deaths?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:50:33 EST By the end of July, up to 5.7 Million Americans -- 140 times the reported number -- had H1N1 swine flu. As many as 21,000 were hospitalized, the CDC now estimates. http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20091029/140-times-more-early-swine-flu-than-reported?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:09:22 EST A group of drugs used to treat epilepsy may also treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, a study shows. http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20091029/epilepsy-drugs-may-treat-alzheimers?src=RSS_PUBLIC Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:54:39 EST