Health Highlights: Nov. 6, 2009

FDA Approvals

Arzerra Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Affects some 16,000 people annually

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
Fluarix sanctioned for kids aged 3 to 17

Votrient Approved for Advanced Kidney Cancer
Designed to thwart blood vessel growth in tumors

Micardis Given Wider Approval
For cardiac patients who can't take an ACE inhibitor

Gardasil Approved to Prevent Genital Warts in Males
Caused by human papillomavirus

Cervarix Approved to Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
Vaccine blocks strains of human papillomavirus

FYI

Health Tip: Follow Directions When Taking Medication
Here's what can happen if you don't

Health Tip: What's Behind Hip Bursitis?
Some common causes

Binge Drinking Puts the Brain, and Life Itself, at Risk Colleges fight back to stem a growing problem across the U.S. >> complete story

Most Who Want Swine Flu Shot Can't Get It CDC says 38 million doses now available, with 8 million more due next week. >> complete story

Can a Bad Boss Make You Sick?
Study ties poor supervisors to higher odds for heart attack

Pay Less for Prescription Drugs
Check out pharmacy, clinic and government programs, expert says

Bad-Behaving Teens May Be Living Up to Expectations
Parents should not assume that all youth will rebel, expert says

Singing in Pregnancy May Be Harder Work
As hormones increase, so does the need to exert more pressure from the lungs, researchers say

Wood Fires Can Harm the Youngest Lungs
Exposed infants more susceptible to bronchiolitis, study finds

Stem Cells May Offer Alternative to Lung Transplants
Novel protocol could provide new lung tissue for certain patients, researchers say

Early Relapse of MS May Mean Fewer Issues Later
Short-term limitations seem to wane as years go by, researcher says

Simple Steps Get Walkers Moving
Improved pedestrian routes and formation of walking groups pay off, study finds

New Smells 'Etched' in Brain: Study
Findings might play a role in boosting memories -- or forgetting them, researchers say

Breast-Feeding Benefits Moms and Babies: Report
Nursing exclusively for six months, then with foods until at least 12 months is ideal, dietitians say

Health Fears Are Nothing to Sneeze At
After witnessing a sneeze, people worry more about flu, heart attacks, accidents and crime, study finds

Good Sleepers More Likely to Eat Right
Adequate shuteye is linked to healthier food choices in study

Poor Restroom Cleaning Causes Cruise-Ship Sickness
Baby changing tables cleaned less often than toilet seats, study finds

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 6, 2009

Early Morning Colonoscopies May Find More Polyps
Study suggests differences in patient preparation and doctor fatigue play a role

Swine Flu Virus Dominant Strain Worldwide: WHO
Agency says pathogen continues to target younger adults, producing mild-to-moderate illness

Rest Easy. When It Comes to Swine Flu, Your Pet Is Safe
Recent reports of H1N1 in a cat or pigs are likely very rare, experts say

Germs Mingle Most on Palms, Feet, Forearms
Body-wide survey also finds unique mix of bacteria for each person

Phosphorus Levels May Predict Heart Disease
Even a slight elevation was linked to coronary artery calcification in study

Complete Horse Genome Sequence Revealed
Findings could aid understanding of human diseases, scientists say

Fetus Learns Intonations of Mother's Tongue
French, German newborns show crying patterns that mimic parents' language, study finds

Genes Linked to 'Pot' Belly
And excess consumption of saturated fats raises obesity risk, researchers find

Without Job Stress, Retirees Sleep Better
Those who left demanding jobs report the most improvement, study finds