Executive Health

Health News

Nicotine Patch Plus Lozenge Best for Quitting Smoking

This combo wins out in first head-to-head study of various smoking-cessation aids

After Age 55, Workplace Stress Seems to Decline

Changing priorities may play a role, but expert urges employers to take heed

Fitness Fades Fast After 45

But healthy habits can stave off the inevitable declines, research finds

Swine Flu Parties? Send Your Regrets, Experts Say

Some parents reportedly exposing healthy kids to those already sick with the H1N1 flu

Hangovers May Be Tougher for Migraine Sufferers

Rat study helps pinpoint cause of increased headache pain

Health-Care Reform: The Mandate Debate

Experts say the only way to cover the uninsured is to require them to buy insurance or pay a fine. But how much should a penalty be?

Many Americans Still Leery of Swine Flu Vaccine

But experts say it's as safe as the shot for run-of-the-mill seasonal flu

Mediterranean Diet May Help Prevent Depression

Lower incidence seen in Spanish study

Could the Recession Be Good for Your Health?

Life expectancy rose during the Great Depression, study shows

Social Status as a Teen Predicts Health as an Adult

Research finds those at the top of the pecking order fared the best

Successful Dieters Show Unique Brain Patterns

Scans found regions related to inhibition, self-control were more active

Could Swine Flu Panic Be Worse Than Outbreak Itself?

With infections typically causing only mild illness, experts point to exaggerated fears as the real threat

Swine Flu Loves a Crowd

But there are ways to reduce your risk even in close quarters, experts say

Most Adult Americans at Some Risk for Heart Disease

Surging obesity rates have reversed gains, study finds

Getting Closer to the Origins of Prostate Cancer

Newly discovered stem cell, common STD could help spur tumors, studies find

New Compound Shrinks Skin Cancers

Study found more than half of advanced basal cell carcinomas responded to treatment

Abuse of ADHD Drugs on the Rise

Jump in poison control center calls mirrors increasing prescriptions, study shows

Life Expectancy in U.S. Hits a New High

Deaths also at an all-time low, new government report shows

For Short Kids, No Lack of Self-Esteem

Despite some parents' worries, study finds small stature not a problem

Cancer Deaths Declining, Especially Among Young

Advances in treatment, prevention and detection behind progress, study finds

Drinking Moderately or More Ups Men's Cancer Risk

Canadian study links regular alcohol consumption to six cancers

Less Aggressive Care for More Severe Heart Disease

Paradox found in guidelines study

Antidepressant Use in U.S. Has Almost Doubled

Study also finds increases in use of other psychotropic medications

'Organic' May Not Mean Healthier

British study finds no better nutrient value than in conventionally produced foods

Almost 10 Percent of U.S. Medical Costs Tied to Obesity

Only return to healthy behaviors will bring expenditures down, experts say

Why Can Some Patients Get Free Drugs While Others Can't?

Many pharmaceutical companies offer free drugs, but critics complain such Patient Assistance Programs don't go far enough

• Plus: How to Navigate Patient-Assistance Programs

Teaming Up to Tackle a Deadly Cancer

Family bonds, dedicated scientists set their sights on the bone malignancy chordoma

Increase in Thyroid Cancer Puzzles Experts

Uptick since 1980 cannot be explained solely by better screening: study

'Easter Island' Drug Adds Years to Mice

Prospects for extending human life remain unclear, researchers say

Fighting Alzheimer's with Coffee

High doses may protect against Alzheimer's symptoms, study in mice suggests

With Medicare Plan, Drug Spending May Be Up

Researchers suspect overuse as a cause, but note that other costs are down

Cyber Bullying Affects One in 10 Students

But researchers find supportive parents help keep abusive behaviors at bay

The Family Doctor: A Remedy for Health-Care Costs?

How making primary-care physicians the center of America's health-care system could drive down costs

• Plus: Reform and Jobs
• Plus: How to Play It: Health-Care Reform

Eat Well, Live Longer

Age-old advice to eat healthy pays off in longevity, study finds

Why the AMA Will Likely Support Health-Care Reform

Obama's plan might lower specialists' pay, but it would help primary-care doctors, save the industry billions, and please voters

Have a Purpose in Life? You Might Live Longer

Longevity joins physical, psychological health as potential benefits

FDA Panel OKs Newer Antipsychotics for Children

Seroquel, Zyprexa and Geodon have been linked to certain health risks, experts note

Colorectal Cancer Rates Rising for Under-50 Set

Upturn is especially strong among those in their 20s, study finds

Girls and Math: Blame the Culture, Not Ability

Raise the bar and watch females succeed, researcher says

'Cell Phone Elbow'—A New Ill for the Wired Age

Cubital tunnel syndrome results from prolonged flexing of the elbow, experts say

U.S. Cancer Death Rates Continue to Fall

Report finds 19.2% drop among men, 11.4% among women in past 15 years

Skip the Burgers and Throw Some Veggies on the Grill

Health concerns raised by barbecued meats spur new ideas for the summer cookout

E-Mailing Your Way to Healthier Habits

By preserving protective ends of DNA, aging might be slowed, study suggests

Multivitamins Might Prolong Life

By preserving protective ends of DNA, aging might be slowed, study suggests

Global Warming Biggest Health Threat of 21st Century, Experts Say

Public health officials call on their own to tackle issue

Acupuncture, Real or Fake, Eases Back Pain

Study found it worked even when treatment didn't break the skin

Studying Epidemics in Virtual Worlds

NIH researchers are using supercomputers to track the spread of diseases in virtual worlds to help predict what will happen in the real world

• Slide Show: Flu-Fighting Tech

Medicine's Next Big Battlefield: Your Home

With the Merlin.net network, cardiac device maker St. Jude takes on market leader Medtronic in wireless patient-care networks

• Slide Show: Medical Devices That Might Save Your Life
• Plus: The Dubious Promise of Digital Medicine

Experts Back Away from Annual PSA Test

Men should have a 'baseline' prostate cancer screen at 40, but yearly PSA may not be necessary, guidelines say

More Americans Experiencing Gaps in Health Coverage

Further erosion of private insurance could boost the ranks of the uninsured

Almost 1 in 10 Young Video Game Users 'Addicted'

Study finds pathological behavior can cause children real problems

Scientists Spot Stroke Genes

Chromosomal region contains two suspect variants that raise risk for brain attack

Cities with MLB Baseball Teams Have a Lower Divorce Rate!

A new study shows that cities with major league baseball teams have a 28% lower divorce rate than cities that wanted MLB teams

As Work Stress Rises, So May Depression

Prescriptions rose by more than 15 percent in 3 years, researchers say

More U.S. Kids Taking Diabetes, Blood Pressure Drugs

Prescriptions rose by more than 15 percent in 3 years, researchers say

Antioxidant-Rich Foods Lose Nutritional Luster Over Time

Studies found levels of good compounds dropped after 6 months

As CT Radiation Accumulates, Cancer Risk May Rise

Those who have the most scans over a lifetime face greatest risk, experts say

Few Hospitals Embracing Electronic Health Record Systems

Researchers say cost, doctors' reluctance to change are main barriers to adoption

Too Much Red Meat May Shorten Life Span

Major study finds an effect, but critics say meat offers important nutrients

PSA Testing: What Should Men Do?

Fallout from 2 studies, pro and con, has experts in a quandry

Experts Revise Guidelines on Daily Aspirin for Heart

Lower dose appears safe and effective against heart attack in men, stroke in women

New Test Seems to Spot Deadly Heart Condition

Promises to make diagnosis simpler for disease than can strike younger adults

Late-Life Fatherhood May Lower Child's Intelligence

A man's biological clock may be ticking too, researchers say

Bad Marriages Harder on Women's Health

More likely than mates to show signs of metabolic syndrome in strained unions, study finds

With the Economy Down, Sleeplessness Is Up

Poll finds one-third of Americans stay awake worrying about personal finances

Caffeine May Offer Some Skin Cancer Protection

It might one day be used as an ingredient in sunscreen, researchers say

If Parents Had Alzheimer's, Aging May Come Early

Presence of ApoE4 gene in offspring makes a difference, study finds

Job Losses Carry High 'Stress Tag'

Battered economy exacts emotional toll on unemployed, families, even those still working

Mediterranean Diet Aids the Aging Brain

Eating plan seems to reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, dementia

Cancer Survivors Say Costs Keep Them From Care

Insured or not, patients forgo medical needs twice as often as others, study finds

Teen TV Time Tied to Adult Depression

More exposure meant more symptoms, study found

The Best of New Antidepressants

Review looked at 12 drugs, 117 studies and 25,000 patients to arrive at ranking

Popularity Is in Your Genes

Twins study suggests that sociability, shyness might be hidden in DNA

Moderate Alcohol Consumption May Protect Against Disabilities

Study found healthy older adults were better able to carry out daily tasks

Obama Backs Health Care Reform

Public concern over cost, availability of care could lead to real change, experts say

Booze Taxes Lower Drinking Rates

Price hikes affect wide range of tipplers, study finds

In High-Stakes Stock Trading, Finger Length Matters

Study finds testosterone exposure in womb creates long ring finger, financial success

Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications

Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks

Health Care
Spending in U.S.
Grew at Lowest
Rate in a Decade

But consumers are still paying more for out-of-pocket expenses, reports say

Lung Cancer: Still the Biggest Cancer Killer, by Far

While researchers make advances, quitting smoking remains your best bet

Blue and Broke for the Holidays

Economic woes ratchet up mental health problems already more common this time of year

Toxic Poinsettias? Hangover Cures? It May Be All Fiction

Researchers debunk common holiday and wintertime health myths

Radiation Plus Hormone Therapy Cuts Prostate Cancer Deaths

Study confirms effectiveness of widely used approach, experts say

If Health Care Were Run Like Retail...

Harvard's Regina Herzlinger says a consumer-driven system would cut costs and improve service

Mediterranean Diet Enriched with Nuts Cuts Heart Risks

Study says metabolic abnormalities better regulated when following this approach

Health 2.0: Patients as Partners

Social networks like PatientsLikeMe let people take charge of their own care—changing the nature of drug research and the practice of medicine

• Slide Show: Health 2.0

Vitamin D Vital for the Heart

Lack of the sunlight-derived nutrient tied to increased cardiovascular events

Bad Bosses Are Hard on the Heart

Study ties work woes to fatal cardiovascular events in men

Texting Helps Kids Diet

Study found hi-tech method improved compliance more than paper and pencil

Robots May Come to Aging Boomers' Rescue

These in-home companions could aid, watch over frail elderly, experts say

Medical Tourism: Surviving the Global Recession

As U.S. travelers rethink plans to seek medical care in Thailand, Bumrungrad Hospital has empty beds. Other regional hospitals face similar straits

Childhood Food Allergies on the Rise

But researchers are working on new therapies to combat the problem

Watch Out for Prescription Switching

Substituting cheaper drug for more expensive one should be transparent, experts say

Use of Kids' Meds on the Increase

Obesity and its complications driving the trend, researchers say

U.S. Hospitals Lag in Patient Satisfaction

Pain management, discharge instructions not rated high in survey

Medical Debt Sending Many Over Financial Brink

Experts say soaring health costs and medical crises fuel many foreclosures, bankruptcies

New Diet Pill Doubles Weight Loss of Current Drugs

Tesofensine could replace gastric bypass surgery for some patients, researchers say

Suicide Rates Rise Among Baby Boomers

Middle-aged white women at increasing risk, study finds

Infants Can Tell Happy Music from Sad

Study illustrates the rapid development of the human brain

Death Rate 70% Lower at Top U.S. Hospitals

If all centers performed as well, over 237,000 lives might have been saved, survey finds

Economic Crisis Takes Toll on Emotional Health

Experts seeing more cases of sleeplessness, anxiety, but they offer tips for coping

Study Suggests Red Wine May Protect Against Lung Cancer

But authors say research, which focused on men, doesn't mean it's OK to smoke

Scams and Shams That Prey on Cancer Patients

In some cases, unproven 'therapies' can be dangerous, experts say

U.S. Kids Take More Psychotropic Drugs Than Europeans

Cultural differences, regulatory practices may explain difference, researchers say

U.S. Abortion Rate at 30-Year Low

Many abortions are among older mothers and minority women, report says

Mozart Can Lower Your Blood Pressure

Listening to relaxation tapes or classical music three times a week might reduce your blood pressure

Thumbs Down on Beta Blockers for High Blood Pressure

No more effective than other drugs, increased stroke risk, study finds

Survival Rates Improve for Kids With Blood Cancers

Advancements in treatment likely behind continued upswing, study concludes

The Monogamy Gene?

Whether a man has one type of gene versus another could help decide whether he's good "husband material," a new study suggests

Appetite Curbing Chemical?

A chemical produced in the brain may play a role in regulating appetite and the likelihood of becoming obese, according to a new study

Adult Obesity Rates Rise In 37 States

In spite of media coverage and doctors' advice, millions of Americans are still overweight. Why can't state and federal policies control help?

• Slide Show: Obesity on the Rise in the U.S.

Medicare Prescription Drug Premiums to Rise in '09

The $28 monthly rate is lower than initially projected, officials said

Moisturizers Spur Skin Cancer in Mouse Study

Experiments find skin creams boosted rate of cancer growth; experts say human impact unknown

Married Folks Still the Healthiest

But long-time bachelors are making gains, study finds

Exercise Lowers Risk of Colon Cancer

But not all doctors informing patients of this simple preventive approach, study says

Vitamin C Shows Promise as Cancer Treatment

The nutrient shrunk brain, ovarian and pancreatic tumors in mice

The Mouse That Grew Hair

A study of mice reveals a key signaling molecule that tells hair follicles to start the hair-growing cycle

Pill Could Boost Sports Performance

Rodent study found taking it increased speed, endurance during training

Hospitalizations for Heart Failure Skyrocketing

The number of Americans admitted to hospitals for heart failure has tripled in recent years, government experts report

Sleep Needs Decline With Age

A new study suggests that insomnia is really a natural part of getting older

Men's Health

Soy Linked to Low Sperm Count

Magnesium May Lower Risk for Some Strokes in Male Smokers

Don't Put Me Back In, Coach

Super Bowl Fans Should Heed Heart Risk Finding

more…

Women's Health

Pregnancy Boosts Heart Attack Risk

Heart-Healthiest Cities for Women

Aspirin May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Are There Too Many Women Doctors?

Aspirin Reduces Asthma Risk in Older Women

more…

Children's Health

Fewer College Kids Smoking, But Industry Tactics a Threat

Cheerleading Causes Majority of Female Athletic Injuries

Easing Your Teens Into the Back-to-School Schedule

Surfing to a Higher Weight

Playing It Safe With High School Sports

more…

Treatments

Microchip Spots Stray Tumor Cells in the Bloodstream

Fragile X Syndrome Corrected in Mice

Bystolic Approved for High Blood Pressure

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Diseases & Conditions

Smokers' Brain Centers Activate During Nicotine Cravings

Neural Insights Could Bring Better Cochlear Implants

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Alternative Medicine

Massage Eases Pain, Anxiety After Surgery

Regular Walking Protects the Aging Brain

more…