http://www.wafb.com/category/38882/latest-health-news en-us Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WAFB Health 15 latest-health-news http://www.wafb.com/story/22387868/more-kids-getting-donor-organs-but-gaps-persist-study-finds http://www.wafb.com/story/22387868/more-kids-getting-donor-organs-but-gaps-persist-study-finds?t=2013-05-22T15:01:20Z WAFB Wed, 22 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22330506/americans-still-making-unhealthy-choices-cdc http://www.wafb.com/story/22330506/americans-still-making-unhealthy-choices-cdc?t=2013-05-22T10:42:19Z WAFB Wed, 22 May 2013 10:42:00 EDT The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising. _Health - Dieting http://www.wafb.com/story/22330509/weather-worries-can-threaten-a-childs-mental-health http://www.wafb.com/story/22330509/weather-worries-can-threaten-a-childs-mental-health?t=2013-05-22T10:35:16Z WAFB Wed, 22 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being. _Health - Anxiety http://www.wafb.com/story/22330511/student-suicide-may-spur-similar-thoughts-in-teens http://www.wafb.com/story/22330511/student-suicide-may-spur-similar-thoughts-in-teens?t=2013-05-22T10:29:37Z WAFB Wed, 22 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22330491/sleepless-nights-may-hurt-school-performance-of-kids-with-asthma http://www.wafb.com/story/22330491/sleepless-nights-may-hurt-school-performance-of-kids-with-asthma?t=2013-05-22T10:25:21Z WAFB Wed, 22 May 2013 10:25:00 EDT Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22308100/genes-may-boost-womans-risk-of-postpartum-depression http://www.wafb.com/story/22308100/genes-may-boost-womans-risk-of-postpartum-depression?t=2013-05-21T15:01:13Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22308098/racial-disparities-seen-in-us-lung-cancer-treatment http://www.wafb.com/story/22308098/racial-disparities-seen-in-us-lung-cancer-treatment?t=2013-05-21T15:01:13Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22300336/favorite-music-may-ease-anxiety-in-icu-patients http://www.wafb.com/story/22300336/favorite-music-may-ease-anxiety-in-icu-patients?t=2013-05-21T12:32:09Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 12:32:00 EDT Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study. _Health - Alternative Medicine http://www.wafb.com/story/22300332/revised-sunscreen-labels-should-help-consumers-make-wiser-choices http://www.wafb.com/story/22300332/revised-sunscreen-labels-should-help-consumers-make-wiser-choices?t=2013-05-21T12:20:36Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 12:20:00 EDT Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection. _Health - Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22300334/living-near-major-roadways-in-pregnancy-tied-to-respiratory-woes-in-children http://www.wafb.com/story/22300334/living-near-major-roadways-in-pregnancy-tied-to-respiratory-woes-in-children?t=2013-05-21T12:09:06Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 12:09:00 EDT A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22300333/noise-dirty-air-may-be-double-whammy-for-the-heart http://www.wafb.com/story/22300333/noise-dirty-air-may-be-double-whammy-for-the-heart?t=2013-05-21T11:57:34Z WAFB Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:00 EDT Air pollution and noise pollution both may boost the risk of heart disease, new research from Germany suggests. _Health - Cardiovascular http://www.wafb.com/story/22297333/many-can-blame-family-for-their-bunions http://www.wafb.com/story/22297333/many-can-blame-family-for-their-bunions?t=2013-05-20T15:01:09Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children. _Health - Foot_Problems http://www.wafb.com/story/22297332/adhd-in-childhood-may-raise-risk-for-obesity-in-adulthood http://www.wafb.com/story/22297332/adhd-in-childhood-may-raise-risk-for-obesity-in-adulthood?t=2013-05-20T15:01:11Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22287793/latest-edition-of-psychiatrys-bible-launched-amid-controversy http://www.wafb.com/story/22287793/latest-edition-of-psychiatrys-bible-launched-amid-controversy?t=2013-05-20T15:01:07Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT As the American Psychiatric Association unveils the latest edition of what is considered the "bible" of modern psychiatry this weekend, the uproar over its many changes continues. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22289006/swallowing-magnets-can-be-fatal-for-children http://www.wafb.com/story/22289006/swallowing-magnets-can-be-fatal-for-children?t=2013-05-20T15:01:07Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Children who swallow high-powered magnets often need surgery and other invasive procedures to remove the objects, according to a new study. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22289007/study-links-coffee-to-lower-risk-for-rare-liver-disease http://www.wafb.com/story/22289007/study-links-coffee-to-lower-risk-for-rare-liver-disease?t=2013-05-20T15:01:07Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22283511/heart-attack-doctors-soon-may-have-an-app-for-that http://www.wafb.com/story/22283511/heart-attack-doctors-soon-may-have-an-app-for-that?t=2013-05-20T11:25:27Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 11:25:00 EDT There are apps that turn your smartphone into a metal detector, a musical instrument and a GPS system, and now there's an app that may help doctors save your life if you're having a heart attack. _Health - Cardiovascular http://www.wafb.com/story/22291537/managing-seasonal-allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22291537/managing-seasonal-allergies?t=2013-05-20T10:35:12Z WAFB Mon, 20 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22245464/nonsmoking-hotel-rooms-may-not-fully-protect-guests http://www.wafb.com/story/22245464/nonsmoking-hotel-rooms-may-not-fully-protect-guests?t=2013-05-18T14:00:10Z WAFB Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22280711/cellphone-use-may-reveal-your-dominant-brain http://www.wafb.com/story/22280711/cellphone-use-may-reveal-your-dominant-brain?t=2013-05-18T10:03:52Z WAFB Sat, 18 May 2013 10:03:00 EDT New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22273294/high-frequency-noise-boosts-math-skills-in-study http://www.wafb.com/story/22273294/high-frequency-noise-boosts-math-skills-in-study?t=2013-05-17T11:24:03Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 11:24:00 EDT Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22273299/1-in-5-us-kids-has-a-mental-health-disorder-cdc http://www.wafb.com/story/22273299/1-in-5-us-kids-has-a-mental-health-disorder-cdc?t=2013-05-17T11:10:09Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 11:10:00 EDT As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report. _Health - Anxiety http://www.wafb.com/story/22273298/eyelash-extension-adhesives-may-cause-bad-reactions http://www.wafb.com/story/22273298/eyelash-extension-adhesives-may-cause-bad-reactions?t=2013-05-17T10:53:31Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 10:53:00 EDT Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22219119/look-for-new-improved-sunscreen-labels http://www.wafb.com/story/22219119/look-for-new-improved-sunscreen-labels?t=2013-05-17T10:50:25Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 10:50:00 EDT New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say. _Health - Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22273296/many-public-pools-contaminated-with-human-waste-cdc http://www.wafb.com/story/22273296/many-public-pools-contaminated-with-human-waste-cdc?t=2013-05-17T10:47:57Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 10:47:00 EDT There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22273300/most-americans-say-no-to-smoking-in-their-homes-cars http://www.wafb.com/story/22273300/most-americans-say-no-to-smoking-in-their-homes-cars?t=2013-05-17T10:44:43Z WAFB Fri, 17 May 2013 10:44:00 EDT Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22261235/yoga-may-help-ease-high-blood-pressure-study-finds http://www.wafb.com/story/22261235/yoga-may-help-ease-high-blood-pressure-study-finds?t=2013-05-16T17:23:09Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 17:23:00 EDT People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension. _Health - Alternative Medicine http://www.wafb.com/story/22269908/fitness-in-middle-age-may-help-shield-men-from-cancer-later http://www.wafb.com/story/22269908/fitness-in-middle-age-may-help-shield-men-from-cancer-later?t=2013-05-16T15:00:40Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates. _Health - Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22269907/new-drug-may-help-immune-system-fight-cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22269907/new-drug-may-help-immune-system-fight-cancer?t=2013-05-16T15:00:40Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT An experimental drug that taps the power of the body's immune system to fight cancer is shrinking tumors in patients for whom other treatments have failed, an early study shows. _Health - Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22269905/public-funding-spurs-couples-to-seek-fertility-treatment http://www.wafb.com/story/22269905/public-funding-spurs-couples-to-seek-fertility-treatment?t=2013-05-16T15:00:39Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT Public funding of assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, broadens the range of couples who seek treatment for infertility by attracting a more diverse population. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/20555579/fda-lower-ambiens-dose-to-prevent-drowsy-driving http://www.wafb.com/story/20555579/fda-lower-ambiens-dose-to-prevent-drowsy-driving?t=2013-05-16T10:29:19Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it is asking manufacturers of sleep medications containing zolpidem -- including Ambien -- to lower the recommended doses. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22261238/angelina-jolie-will-have-ovaries-removed-to-lower-chances-of-cancer-report http://www.wafb.com/story/22261238/angelina-jolie-will-have-ovaries-removed-to-lower-chances-of-cancer-report?t=2013-05-16T10:05:38Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday. _Health - Breast Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22261233/cellphone-calls-during-blood-pressure-readings-may-skew-results http://www.wafb.com/story/22261233/cellphone-calls-during-blood-pressure-readings-may-skew-results?t=2013-05-16T09:48:53Z WAFB Thu, 16 May 2013 09:48:00 EDT New Italian research offers some cautionary advice for patients with high blood pressure: The next time you take a blood pressure reading, turn off your cellphone. _Health - Blood Pressure http://www.wafb.com/story/22257531/erectile-dysfunction-tied-to-long-term-narcotic-use-in-men http://www.wafb.com/story/22257531/erectile-dysfunction-tied-to-long-term-narcotic-use-in-men?t=2013-05-15T15:01:09Z WAFB Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22257530/gene-variations-may-explain-weight-gain-among-men-women http://www.wafb.com/story/22257530/gene-variations-may-explain-weight-gain-among-men-women?t=2013-05-15T15:01:08Z WAFB Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands. _Health - Dieting http://www.wafb.com/story/22249085/materials-in-some-household-products-tied-to-lung-damage http://www.wafb.com/story/22249085/materials-in-some-household-products-tied-to-lung-damage?t=2013-05-15T10:29:26Z WAFB Wed, 15 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT Ihaling ultrafine particles from so-called "nanomaterials" can cause lung inflammation and damage, a team of U.S. scientists says. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22245461/even-low-levels-of-lead-hamper-kindergartners-reading-skills-study http://www.wafb.com/story/22245461/even-low-levels-of-lead-hamper-kindergartners-reading-skills-study?t=2013-05-14T15:00:27Z WAFB Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT Even children with low levels of lead in their blood score lower on reading-readiness tests when they begin kindergarten, a new study found. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22236984/healthy-lifestyle-may-offset-job-stress-study-finds http://www.wafb.com/story/22236984/healthy-lifestyle-may-offset-job-stress-study-finds?t=2013-05-14T11:44:35Z WAFB Tue, 14 May 2013 11:44:00 EDT Job stress increases the risk of heart disease, but living a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce that risk, a new study says. _Health - Anxiety http://www.wafb.com/story/22245465/angelina-jolie-has-preventative-double-mastectomy http://www.wafb.com/story/22245465/angelina-jolie-has-preventative-double-mastectomy?t=2013-05-14T11:24:39Z WAFB Tue, 14 May 2013 11:24:00 EDT Hollywood film star Angelina Jolie announced Tuesday that she has undergone a double mastectomy because she carries a genetic mutation that greatly increases her risk of potentially fatal breast cancer. _Health - Breast Cancer http://www.wafb.com/story/22236985/rich-cougar-sugar-daddy-stereotypes-might-not-mirror-reality http://www.wafb.com/story/22236985/rich-cougar-sugar-daddy-stereotypes-might-not-mirror-reality?t=2013-05-14T10:33:55Z WAFB Tue, 14 May 2013 10:33:00 EDT The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22233843/nearly-half-of-high-schoolers-text-while-driving-survey http://www.wafb.com/story/22233843/nearly-half-of-high-schoolers-text-while-driving-survey?t=2013-05-13T15:03:21Z WAFB Mon, 13 May 2013 15:03:00 EDT Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22233842/a-little-formula-might-help-breast-feeding-for-some-babies http://www.wafb.com/story/22233842/a-little-formula-might-help-breast-feeding-for-some-babies?t=2013-05-13T15:00:21Z WAFB Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT Giving small amounts of infant formula to newborns who experience significant weight loss can increase the length of time that they are breast-fed, according to a new study. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22228813/many-heart-defects-arent-inherited-study-finds http://www.wafb.com/story/22228813/many-heart-defects-arent-inherited-study-finds?t=2013-05-13T15:00:20Z WAFB Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT At least 10 percent of severe genetic heart defects are caused by new gene mutations that were not passed down from patients' parents, a new study finds. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22223929/more-time-in-gym-class-equals-stronger-kids http://www.wafb.com/story/22223929/more-time-in-gym-class-equals-stronger-kids?t=2013-05-13T11:18:11Z WAFB Mon, 13 May 2013 11:18:00 EDT Spending more time in physical education classes helps students develop muscle strength and doesn't increase their risk of broken bones, a new study finds. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22216371/obesity-crisis-may-be-fueling-big-jump-in-sleep-apnea-cases http://www.wafb.com/story/22216371/obesity-crisis-may-be-fueling-big-jump-in-sleep-apnea-cases?t=2013-05-22T09:33:34Z WAFB Fri, 10 May 2013 14:59:00 EDT The widening American waistline may be feeding an epidemic of sleep apnea, potentially robbing millions of people of a good night's rest, a new study suggests. _Health - Cardiovascular http://www.wafb.com/story/22216370/allergies-may-boost-severity-of-lung-disease http://www.wafb.com/story/22216370/allergies-may-boost-severity-of-lung-disease?t=2013-05-10T14:59:57Z WAFB Fri, 10 May 2013 14:59:00 EDT Hay fever and similar allergies increase the frequency and severity of respiratory problems in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new study shows. _Health - Allergies http://www.wafb.com/story/22208652/many-seniors-suffer-mental-decline-in-silence-cdc http://www.wafb.com/story/22208652/many-seniors-suffer-mental-decline-in-silence-cdc?t=2013-05-10T10:41:26Z WAFB Fri, 10 May 2013 10:41:00 EDT About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows. _Health - Alzheimers http://www.wafb.com/story/22208649/swimming-pools-may-pose-hazard-for-people-with-heart-devices http://www.wafb.com/story/22208649/swimming-pools-may-pose-hazard-for-people-with-heart-devices?t=2013-05-10T10:35:59Z WAFB Fri, 10 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators. _Health - Cardiovascular http://www.wafb.com/story/22208651/violent-video-games-may-numb-players-to-brutality-study-finds http://www.wafb.com/story/22208651/violent-video-games-may-numb-players-to-brutality-study-finds?t=2013-05-10T10:33:31Z WAFB Fri, 10 May 2013 10:33:00 EDT Teenage boys who play violent video games for hours on end may become desensitized to the brutality, a small new study finds. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22205370/pregnancy-adds-challenge-for-teens-treated-for-drug-abuse-report-says http://www.wafb.com/story/22205370/pregnancy-adds-challenge-for-teens-treated-for-drug-abuse-report-says?t=2013-05-09T14:59:52Z WAFB Thu, 9 May 2013 14:59:00 EDT Half of pregnant teens in substance-abuse treatment programs used alcohol or drugs in the month before they entered treatment. _Health - Children http://www.wafb.com/story/22205368/everyday-noise-levels-may-affect-the-heart http://www.wafb.com/story/22205368/everyday-noise-levels-may-affect-the-heart?t=2013-05-09T14:59:50Z WAFB Thu, 9 May 2013 14:59:00 EDT Even the minor noise that fills everyday life, from the ring of a cell phone to the conversation that follows, may have short-term effects on heart function, a small new study suggests. _Health - Anxiety http://www.wafb.com/story/22196806/hospital-bills-can-vary-widely-even-in-same-cities http://www.wafb.com/story/22196806/hospital-bills-can-vary-widely-even-in-same-cities?t=2013-05-09T09:56:09Z WAFB Thu, 9 May 2013 09:56:00 EDT The fees that hospitals charge consumers or insurance providers for services vary widely across the United States, and can even vary within geographic regions and cities, federal officials reported Wednesday. Health http://www.wafb.com/story/22196805/fast-food-hasnt-gotten-much-healthier-study-says http://www.wafb.com/story/22196805/fast-food-hasnt-gotten-much-healthier-study-says?t=2013-05-09T09:52:42Z WAFB Thu, 9 May 2013 09:52:00 EDT Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says. _Health - Nutrition