Health News: CBSNews.com

Americans Fatter in 37 States

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:00:06 EDT

The U.S. obesity epidemic is gaining speed, with adult obesity rates up in 37 states and down in none. In 28 states, more than 1 in 4 people are obese.

Impotence Drug Eases Prostate Problems

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:04 EDT

Study shows that Cialis, a popular drug for erectile dysfunction, helps ease common urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate.

"Condom, Condom" Ringtone A Hit In India

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:30:04 EDT

Ever heard a safe-sex promo sung in multipart harmony? Have a listen to the "condom a cappella" ringtone, just launched in India.

Alexander Technique Eases Back Pain

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 17:00:04 EDT

The Alexander technique, a little-known type of physical therapy designed to reduce chronic pain, is more effective at reducing back pain than exercise alone or massage therapy, according to a new study.

Anti-Aging Skin Treatments That May Work

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:00:05 EDT

A study shows their effectiveness in treating sun-damaged skin and fine lines and wrinkles. A dermatologist explained the science and named product names, on The Early Show.

Fruit Juices Block Common Drugs

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:30:03 EDT

Grapefruit, orange, and apple juices block common drugs for infections, allergy, transplant rejection, cancer, and high blood pressure.

California Fines Hospitals For Shoddy Care

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:05 EDT

Eighteen hospitals in California were fined for state health code violations in which patients received shoddy care that in some cases led to deaths.

Health Care Ads Go Retro, With A Twist

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:30:04 EDT

Harry and Louise, a fictional couple used in television ads to oppose health care reform during the Clinton administration are back. But this time, they're supporting universal coverage.

Oldest Elders Surprisingly Spry

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:30:04 EDT

People may see a decline in their health between age 92 and 100, but not as much as you might think, a Danish study shows.

Chew Gum for Colon Surgery Recovery

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:30:04 EDT

Simply chewing gum after colon surgery can reduce recovery time and shorten hospital stays, a review of research shows.

Report: Tainted Peppers Didn't Alarm FDA

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:04 EDT

Federal inspectors at U.S. border crossings repeatedly turned back filthy, disease-ridden shipments of peppers from Mexico in the months before a salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,400 people was finally traced to Mexican chilies.

More U.S. Women Having Fewer Kids, If Any

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:30:04 EDT

More American women in their early 40s are childless, and those who are having kids are having fewer than ever before. The Census Bureau also found 36% women who gave birth in the survey year were separated, divorced, widowed or unmarried.

Poor Nations Populations Grow Fastest

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:00:04 EDT

Currently 1.2 billion people live in countries classified as developed by the United Nations, compared with 5.5 billion in less developed regions.

The Truth About Coffee

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:03 EDT

Is it good for you? Bad for you? Dr. Holly Phillips addressed the myths and the reality, on The Early Show

Harmful New Air Pollutant Found

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:30:05 EDT

LSU scientists report a new form of air pollution -- persistent free radicals. Each day, we breathe in 300 cigarettes' worth of the harmful molecules.

Bad Hair Days: Hair Force Blamed

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:00:04 EDT

Bad hair days grow out of hair forces caused by tiny scales and tiny electrical charges on single hairs, says an American Chemical Society Meeting report.

Moisturizers Linked To Skin Cancer?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 20:30:04 EDT

Four commonly used moisturizers -- Dermabase, Dermovan, Eucerin, and Vanicream -- increased skin cancers in mice previously exposed to UV radiation.

Airborne Cold Remedy Settles Suit For $30M

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:00:05 EDT

The makers of Airborne tablets have agreed to pay $30 million to settle a lawsuit and federal regulators' charges that they made false claims about the cold-fighting benefits of the fruit-flavored remedies.

Which Shoppers Are Happiest?

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:00:04 EDT

Which shoppers are happiest? Those who prize experiences, like traveling or eating out, over material things, says a researcher.

More Women Ask For Birth Control

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:30:04 EDT

More U.S. women are getting birth control services, according to a national data review.

5 Lifestyle Habits That Cut Stroke Risk

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:30:03 EDT

A new study shows that five healthy lifestyle factors help cut the risk of the most common type of stroke by 80%.

Breast Cancer: Risk Remains Years Later

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:30:03 EDT

Even early-stage breast cancer patients who complete five years of drug treatment have a significant risk for relapsing, new research shows.

Pill Users Choose 'Wrong' Sex Partners

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 18:00:06 EDT

A woman is sexually attracted to men who smell like a good genetic match -- but birth control pills make her smell out the "wrong" men, a U.K. study shows.

"Brain Food" For Kids

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:30:04 EDT

Registered dietician Keri Glassman explained the ABCs of eating smart to fuel the mind as well as the body, on The Early Show.

Lepers Get Long-Awaited Apology

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:00:05 EDT

The state delivered a long-awaited apology to former leprosy patients forcibly confined to a remote peninsula on the Hawaiian island of Molokai.

3D Debuts In The Operating Room

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:30:02 EDT

For years, 3D vision has been used as a special effect for entertainment. But it's just landed a leading role in brain surgery. Jon LaPook takes a look at its debut.

Quick, Healthy, Hearty Kids' Breakfasts

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:30:04 EDT

Katie Lee Joel offered back-to-school recipes for unique, delicious, nutritious meals, on The Early Show.

Study: You Can Be Hefty But Still Healthy

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:05 EDT

A new study suggests that a surprising number of overweight people - about half - have normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while an equally startling number of trim people suffer from some of the ills associated with obesity.

"Cookie Diets" May Crumble Over Long Haul

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:30:03 EDT

Dietician Keri Glassman says they're short on nutrients, calories and eating education for the long run. She describes the four most popular ones, on The Early Show.

Married Vs. Single: Health Gap Narrows

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:00:04 EDT

Getting married doesn't improve one's health as much as it used to, according to a new study.

Making a Decision? Don't Sleep on It

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:00:04 EDT

"Thinking things through" is a better decision-making process than sleeping on it, a new study shows.

Running Slows the Effects of Aging

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:30:04 EDT

A study that tracked older runners for two decades shows that regular runners have fewer disabilities and are less likely to die early deaths.

Acid Reflux Pills Linked To Hip Fractures

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:30:04 EDT

With 180 million prescriptions a year and sales over $14 billion, heartburn and acid reflux drugs are a success. But, as CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes reports, a new study shows long-term use may raise chances of fracturing bones.

Fatigue Among Elders Tied to Other Ills

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:30:04 EDT

A study done by researchers at Columbia University is urging physicians to take seriously complaints of exhaustion among the elderly.

"Pregorexia" Inspired By Thin Celebs?

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:30:06 EDT

Moms-to-be, obsessing over their weight, diet and exercise so much they put the baby's health in some jeopardy, and some experts blame our celebrity culture for the phenomenon.

Calif. Weighs Chemical Ban In Baby Items

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:30:05 EDT

Responding to growing consumer anxiety, California lawmakers are considering enacting what could be the first statewide restrictions on a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and infant formula cans.

Mid-Summer Skin Cancer Alert

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:30:04 EDT

An expert points out that this is a good time to take a step back and check your skin for damage from the sun. He told what to look for, and how to protect ourselves as the summer continues, on The Early Show.

AIDS Prevention Gives Short Shrift To Gays

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 18:30:04 EDT

HIV infection rates among gay and bisexual men are rising in many countries, yet global prevention spending on this population amounts to less then one percent.

Study: Infertility Treatments No Help

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:30:03 EDT

Two common infertility treatments do not improve fertility when used alone, according to a study conducted in the U.K.

Whole Foods Recalls Possibly Tainted Beef

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:30:07 EDT

Worries over a possible E. coli bacteria contamination have prompted Whole Foods to recall beef sold between June 2 and August 6.

Men Adopt Twice As Often As Women

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:30:03 EDT

CDC: Men are twice as likely as women to adopt a child. African-Americans adopt more often than whites. 1 million U.S. women currently seek to adopt.

Scientists Create Stem Cells For Diseases

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:07 EDT

Harvard scientists produced stem cells for 10 genetic disorders, which will allow them to watch the diseases develop in a lab dish.

10 Tips For An Olympic Body

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:30:03 EDT

Experts share the diet and exercise secrets of Olympic athletes.

Surgery May Prevent "Lazy Eye" Blindness

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:00:04 EDT

The experimental procedure, only approved for adults so far, and for a different purpose, may save some kids' sight in the affected eyes.

Foreclosures-West Nile Virus Link Possible

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:07 EDT

Standing water in unattended backyard pools is a worrisome breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry it, health officials say. And a more virulent strain is becoming more prevalent this season.

Common Spices May Help Diabetes

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:10 EDT

The spice cabinet may prove to be a source of help for diabetes patients, a study shows.

"Artificial Pancreas" For Some Diabetics

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:00:05 EDT

The experimental device delivers insulin without involving the patient.

Bill Loophole Gives Tobacco Industry Time

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:11 EDT

A loophole in a sweeping tobacco regulation bill would give the industry a 21-month window to introduce certain new products without first getting federal approval.

Average ER Wait Time Increases To 1 Hour

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:30:04 EDT

The average time that hospital emergency rooms patients wait to see a doctor has grown from about 38 minutes to almost an hour over the past decade, according to new federal statistics released.

Study: Americans Drinking Less Alcohol

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:30:04 EDT

Average alcohol intake dropped during a 50-year study of adults in Framingham, Mass. Beer intake went down; wine consumption went up, researchers report.

America's Health Care, In Numbers

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 19:30:04 EDT

New CDC data show how Americans use health care. For example, the No. 1 diagnosis: high blood pressure.

U.S. Ends Ban On HIV-Positive Travelers

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:00:03 EDT

AIDS experts praised the United States for ending its two-decade ban on HIV-positive people entering the country, and said travel restrictions by dozens of other countries are hurting efforts to control the epidemic.

The Truth About 7 Common Food Additives

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:59:31 EDT

Over the years, the safety of many food additives, from food dyes to trans fats, has come into question. To help you figure out what?s safe, WebMD took a look at the latest research on seven of the most controversial food additives.

Good Night's Sleep Eludes Many in U.S.

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:07 EDT

If hitting the hay means popping a pill, you're not alone. A new Consumer Reports survey finds that many Americans are "problem sleepers," and one in five use some type of sleep medicine to help them nod off at least once a week.

Kids & Cholesterol: Call For Early Action

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:00:07 EDT

The growing recognition that the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries that can increase risk of heart attacks and strokes begins as early as childhood has experts calling for earlier and more aggressive treatment to reduce this risk.

Old Wives' Tales: Fact Or Fiction?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:30:04 EDT

Prevention magazine found many wanting, but some right-on. Its editor in chief discussed several of them, on The Early Show.

Panel Pans Prostate Checks For Men Over 75

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:30:04 EDT

Doctors should stop routine prostate cancer screening of men over 75 because there is more evidence of harm than benefit, a federal task force advised Monday in a new blow to a much-scrutinized medical test.

Hormone Therapy For Schizophrenia?

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:30:03 EDT

Adding an estrogen patch to antipsychotic drug treatment reduces women's schizophrenia symptoms, Australian researchers report.

Immigrant Kids Inactive, Study Finds

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:00:04 EDT

Many immigrant children get even less vigorous exercise than their U.S.-born counterparts, the largest study of its kind suggests.

Fish May Boost Memory, Prevent Stroke

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:53:15 EDT

Regularly eating non-fried fish may help older adults preserve their memory and ward off stroke.

Restaurant Kids' Meals Calorie Loaded

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:30:04 EDT

Healthy kids' meals at top restaurant chains are slim pickings, according to a report by a nonprofit public health group.

12-Year-Old AIDS Activist Praised

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:30:04 EDT

Keren Dunaway was 5 when her parents used drawings to explain to her that they both had the HIV virus - and so did she. Now the 12-year-old is one of the most prominent AIDS activists in Latin America.