The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to take a second look at the weight loss pill Qnexa on Wednesday, after initially rejecting it because of concerns about heart problems and possible birth defects.
Watching a lot of movies that feature alcohol doubles the likelihood that young teens will start drinking, and these teens are more likely to progress to binge drinking, according to a new study.
Monday, February 20 2012 8:57 PM EST2012-02-21 01:57:47 GMT
It's been almost two years since the FDA approved a new time-release design of Oxycontin to prevent illegal misuse and abuse of the pain relieving drug.
It's been almost two years since the FDA approved a new time-release design of Oxycontin to prevent illegal misuse and abuse of the pain relieving drug. But the new version is causing San Diego authorities new stress. They're seeing an alarming rise in people switching to heroin as a potentially deadly substitute.
New studies show that children struggling with their gender identity also face higher risks for abuse and mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
The loss of a loved one can trigger deep emotional turmoil, but is the grief that follows a normal part of being human or is it a form of mental illness in need of diagnosis and treatment?
Friday, February 17 2012 4:58 PM EST2012-02-17 21:58:46 GMT
Teens today are struggling to maintain a healthy body image. In magazines they see celebrities and models, looking absolutely flawless thanks to a special trick known as Photoshop.
Teens today are struggling to maintain a healthy body image. In magazines they see celebrities and models, looking absolutely flawless thanks to a special trick known as Photoshop.
Valentine's Day is an occasion for couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other, but parents should show love for their children every day of the year, the American Academy of Pediatrics says.
With televisions, computers, cellphones, school work and extracurricular activities, parents worry that their kids are so busy that they aren't getting enough sleep.
Sunday, February 12 2012 2:29 PM EST2012-02-12 19:29:28 GMT
It happened to nurse Jane Byron years after an in-line skating fall, business owner Haralee Weintraub while doing "men's" push-ups, and avid cyclist Gene Wilberg while lifting a heavy box.
It happened to nurse Jane Byron years after an in-line skating fall, business owner Haralee Weintraub while doing "men's" push-ups, and avid cyclist Gene Wilberg while lifting a heavy box.
It was just about three years ago that a strange new strain of flu first appeared in Mexico, then spread across the border to the United States and eventually much of the globe.
A new study finds that the babies of women who had chemotherapy while pregnant aren't at higher risk for a variety of medical disorders, a sign that the treatment should be safe for the fetus in most instances.
Tuesday, February 7 2012 9:10 PM EST2012-02-08 02:10:32 GMT
February is proving to be a banner month for cold and flu season on the San Diego health front, and for many people, the viruses are leading to a secondary infection.
February is proving to be a banner month for cold and flu season on the San Diego health front, and for many people, the viruses are leading to a secondary infection.
Each year, millions of children receive immunization shots in order to prepare for school, whether it's preschool, kindergarten, first grade, high school or college. Read on to learn more about why vaccinations are required and how to find out which immunization shots you child will need.
While the addictive nature of checking social networks has only been escalated by more smartphone sales, one study has come to the conclusion that it may be even more addictive than popular vices.
Although fewer kids are being exposed to smoking while riding in cars, more than 20 percent of nonsmoking teens still are, U.S. health officials report.
Saturday, February 4 2012 8:27 PM EST2012-02-05 01:27:44 GMT
Parents are being warned about a dangerous trend that's becoming increasingly popular with teenagers. It involves soaking tampons or Gummy Bears in alcohol.
Parents are being warned about a dangerous trend that's becoming increasingly popular with teenagers. It involves soaking tampons or Gummy Bears in alcohol.
A series of specific "yes" or "no" questions could help doctors distinguish between people who have normal memory loss that comes with age and those with a condition known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
Wednesday, February 1 2012 9:48 AM EST2012-02-01 14:48:50 GMT
Pfizer Inc. is recalling 1 million packets of birth control pills because of a packaging error that could leave women with an inadequate dose of the hormone-based drugs.
Pfizer Inc. is recalling 1 million packets of birth control pills because of a packaging error that could leave women with an inadequate dose of the hormone-based drugs and raise the risk that they will get pregnant accidentally.
Tuesday, January 31 2012 8:55 PM EST2012-02-01 01:55:26 GMT
Getting a sore throat is never a pleasant experience, but knowing the cause of your discomfort can make a huge difference when it comes to treatment and recovery.
Getting a sore throat is never a pleasant experience, but knowing the cause of your discomfort can make a huge difference when it comes to treatment and recovery.
When children are sick, family participation is central to their treatment, says a new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which calls for patients, their parents and pediatricians to become partners at every level of care.
Tuesday, January 31 2012 12:51 PM EST2012-01-31 17:51:25 GMT
A senior at Steele Canyon High School is building awareness about cerebral palsy though YouTube.
A senior at Steele Canyon High School is building awareness about cerebral palsy though YouTube. His powerful message has already received more than 78,000 hits online.
For some people a change in the seasons can trigger a loss of energy or even clinical depression, according to an expert who describes how to cope with seasonal affective disorder.
When a couple is trying to have a baby and can't, it can be emotionally and financially draining. But help may be available in an unexpected form: acupuncture.
Almost 7 percent of American men and women are infected orally with the human papillomavirus (HPV), new research reveals, with men showing significantly higher infection rates than women.
Tuesday, January 24 2012 9:20 PM EST2012-01-25 02:20:47 GMT
Major weather changes always seems to spur respiratory problems on the San Diego health front, and the reaction to the recent heavy rainfall and high winds is certainly no exception.
Major weather changes always seems to spur respiratory problems on the San Diego health front, and the reaction to the recent heavy rainfall and high winds is certainly no exception.
A growing wave of companies is modernizing a multi-billion segment that has not kept pace with consumer tastes: Big Food. A lot has changed since the Gerber Generation after all.
Monday, January 23 2012 10:03 AM EST2012-01-23 15:03:34 GMT
A crude new method of making methamphetamine poses a risk even to Americans who never get anywhere near the drug: It is filling hospitals with thousands of uninsured burn patients requiring millions of
A crude new method of making methamphetamine poses a risk even to Americans who never get anywhere near the drug: It is filling hospitals with thousands of uninsured burn patients requiring millions of dollars in advanced treatment — a burden so costly that it's contributing to the closure of some burn units.
Sunday, January 22 2012 1:32 PM EST2012-01-22 18:32:34 GMT
Here's a reality check for President Barack Obama's health overhaul: Three out of four uninsured Americans live in states that have yet to figure out how to deliver on its promise of affordable medical care.
Here's a reality check for President Barack Obama's health overhaul: Three out of four uninsured Americans live in states that have yet to figure out how to deliver on its promise of affordable medical care.
Tuesday, January 17 2012 8:58 PM EST2012-01-18 01:58:51 GMT
The new year seems to have kicked up a cold and flu season a few notches, but it's also left some San Diegans with a skin condition that has them itching for relief.
The new year seems to have kicked up a cold and flu season a few notches, but it's also left some San Diegans with a skin condition that has them itching for relief.
Tuesday, January 17 2012 7:25 PM EST2012-01-18 00:25:36 GMT
America's obesity epidemic is proving to be as stubborn as those maddening love handles, and shows no sign of reversing course.
America's obesity epidemic is proving to be as stubborn as those maddening love handles, and shows no sign of reversing course. More than one-third of adults and almost 17 percent of children were obese in 2009-2010, echoing results since 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday.
They may look and smell a lot like candy, but dissolvable, smokeless tobacco products aren't for kids. The safety and risks of "dissolvables" are the subject of a three-day U.S. Food and Drug Administration meeting.
Following the lead of the Cleveland Clinic and a growing number of other hospitals, Pennsylvania's Geisinger Health System will turn away job applicants who smoke starting next month.
For several years, researchers have studied a possible link between substances called parabens -- widely used as a germ-fighting preservative in cosmetics such as deodorant/antiperspirants -- and breast cancer.
Tuesday, January 10 2012 8:50 PM EST2012-01-11 01:50:47 GMT
It's the most common reason parents take their children to the doctor: ear infections. And while they can be very painful, proper treatment is usually effective and fast.
It's the most common reason parents take their children to the doctor: ear infections. And while they can be very painful, proper treatment is usually effective and fast.
Tuesday, January 10 2012 3:54 PM EST2012-01-10 20:54:29 GMT
The Food and Drug Administration is warning patients about a potential mix-up between powerful prescription pain drugs and common over-the-counter medications made at a Novartis manufacturing plant.
The Food and Drug Administration is warning patients about a potential mix-up between powerful prescription pain drugs and common over-the-counter medications made at a Novartis manufacturing plant.
People who suffer sudden cardiac arrest are more likely to survive if 911 and EMS dispatchers help bystanders assess victims and begin CPR immediately, says a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association.
A drug commonly used to treat patients with Alzheimer's disease does not appear to be effective for people older than 40 years who have Down syndrome and Alzheimer's, according to a new study.
Children who have heart surgery at high-volume hospitals may fare better than those who are treated in hospitals that perform fewer pediatric cardiac surgeries per year, but this is not due to volume alone.
Friday, January 6 2012 10:35 PM EST2012-01-07 03:35:53 GMT
After more than 10 years of neglect, a Spring Valley home ended up with a rat problem so bad, the house must be torn down, and neighbors are pretty relieved about it.
After more than 10 years of neglect, a Spring Valley home ended up with a rat problem so bad, the house must be torn down, and neighbors are pretty relieved about it.
Parents can involve their children in any New Year's fitness resolutions they may have in the works, says one fitness expert, by making exercise seem fun and exciting.
While no one story dominated health news in 2011, the ongoing debate over the legality of the new health care reform law was perhaps the most polarizing, with the case now set to go to the U.S. Supreme Court early in 2012.
Wednesday, December 28 2011 11:46 AM EST2011-12-28 16:46:08 GMT
Bill Dunphy thought his colonoscopy would be free. His insurance company told him it would be covered 100 percent, with no copayment from him and no charge against his deductible.
Bill Dunphy thought his colonoscopy would be free. His insurance company told him it would be covered 100 percent, with no copayment from him and no charge against his deductible.
Monday, December 26 2011 2:42 PM EST2011-12-26 19:42:06 GMT
Drug companies are working to develop a pure, more powerful version of the nation's second most-abused medicine, which has addiction experts worried that it could spur a new wave of abuse.
Drug companies are working to develop a pure, more powerful version of the nation's second most-abused medicine, which has addiction experts worried that it could spur a new wave of abuse.
Quitting smoking is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but it's easier said than done, with six of 10 smokers requiring multiple attempts before successfully kicking the habit.
As experts alter course on guidelines for cancer screenings such as mammograms and the prostate-specific antigen test, the general public is understandably confused.
Toys are a major part of children's fun and excitement during the holiday season, so parents and others need to make sure the toys are safe, experts say.
How to live healthfully to 100 and beyond remains a minor medical mystery, but more people than ever are hitting and surpassing the milestone. Here are some tips to get you there.
Wednesday, December 14 2011 1:26 PM EST2011-12-14 18:26:09 GMT
One in 4 women say they were hit hard, kicked or otherwise violently attacked by their intimate partners, according to a government survey released Wednesday that offers startling findings about domestic violence.
One in 4 women say they were hit hard, kicked or otherwise violently attacked by their intimate partners, according to a government survey released Wednesday that offers startling findings about domestic violence.
Undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome may account for up to 1 percent of children who are absent from school for extended periods of time and are not truant or known to have another illness that would explain why they're out of school.
U.S. health advisers recommended Thursday that several newer forms of oral contraceptives carry revised labels warning about an increased risk of potentially fatal blood clots.
Breast cancer researchers report they are heartened by the results of two new studies that show combination therapies might improve survival for women with two different types of advanced tumors.
Tuesday, December 6 2011 9:10 PM EST2011-12-07 02:10:54 GMT
The temperatures are dropping and the air is dry -- really dry. But if that scratchy feeling in your throat has turned into some serious pain, a trip to the doctor could be in order.
The temperatures are dropping and the air is dry -- really dry. But if that scratchy feeling in your throat has turned into some serious pain, a trip to the doctor could be in order.
Less than one-quarter of American parents with an overweight child remember ever being told by a health care professional that this was the case, a new study says.
Friday, December 2 2011 11:19 AM EST2011-12-02 16:19:45 GMT
The first of December is World AIDS Day and each year people worldwide unite in the fight against HIV and show support for those living with the disease.
The first of December is World AIDS Day and each year people worldwide unite in the fight against HIV and show support for those living with the disease.
Ever unload the dishwasher while helping with a child's homework? Ever keep one eye on soccer practice while checking your voice mail and trying to figure out what to make for dinner?
Tuesday, November 29 2011 9:15 PM EST2011-11-30 02:15:55 GMT
We've had some beautiful daytime temperatures in San Diego County recently, but the dry conditions and cold nights have been taking a toll on some of us.
We've had some beautiful daytime temperatures in San Diego County recently, but the dry conditions and cold nights have been taking a toll on some of us.
The holiday season can be a challenge for people with allergies and asthma, but there are a number of things they can do to protect themselves, allergists say.
Socializing is a major part of the holiday season, but many people find it difficult. If you suffer anxiety or feel tongue-tied at festive gatherings, here are some helpful tips.
There's more to happiness in our next act, than meaningful work and enough retirement savings. The more often older married individuals engage in sexual activity, the more likely they are to be happy with both their lives and marriages.
Among older married Americans, an active sex life is associated with greater happiness with their marriages and with life in general, according to a new study.
Many children who've lost a sister or brother to cancer say they became more mature and more compassionate as a result of the experience, new research finds.
Wednesday, November 16 2011 4:58 PM EST2011-11-16 21:58:12 GMT
Changing the face of men's health with moustachery - "Movember" is a growing international campaign to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer and other male cancer initiatives.
Changing the face of men's health with moustachery - "Movember" is a growing international campaign to raise money and awareness for prostate cancer and other male cancer initiatives.
Drinking two or more sugar-sweetened beverages a day may boost a woman's risk for developing heart disease and diabetes -- even if this habit isn't causing her to pack on extra pounds, a new study says.
Tuesday, November 8 2011 9:00 PM EST2011-11-09 02:00:58 GMT
Before the era of immunizations and antibiotics, croup was a dreaded and deadly disease, and while most cases today are mild, the infection can still be dangerous.
Before the era of immunizations and antibiotics, croup was a dreaded and deadly disease, and while most cases today are mild, the infection can still be dangerous.
Tuesday, November 8 2011 6:07 PM EST2011-11-08 23:07:42 GMT
An unidentified person at Hilltop Drive Elementary School tested positive for tuberculosis, the county Health and Human Services Agency reported Tuesday.
An unidentified person at Hilltop Drive Elementary School tested positive for tuberculosis, the county Health and Human Services Agency reported Tuesday.
SUNDAY, Nov. 6 (HealthDay News) --By taking steps to reduce pet allergens in their homes, pet owners can reduce the spread of pet allergens to people who may be allergic, experts say.
THURSDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) --A new British study finds that commercial weight-loss programs are more effective and less costly than primary care-based programs led by specially trained staff.
Tuesday, November 1 2011 9:40 PM EDT2011-11-02 01:40:58 GMT
Stomach flu is something that typically strikes in the fall and winter months, so as the mercury starts to drop, it's no surprise this nasty bug is showing up on the San Diego health front.
Stomach flu is something that typically strikes in the fall and winter months, so as the mercury starts to drop, it's no surprise this nasty bug is showing up on the San Diego health front.
Tuesday, November 1 2011 7:37 PM EDT2011-11-01 23:37:31 GMT
The number of overdose deaths from powerful painkillers more than tripled over a decade, the government reported Tuesday — a trend that a U.S. health official called an epidemic, but one that can be stopped.
The number of overdose deaths from powerful painkillers more than tripled over a decade, the government reported Tuesday — a trend that a U.S. health official called an epidemic, but one that can be stopped.
Thursday, October 27 2011 8:42 PM EDT2011-10-28 00:42:50 GMT
You know the saying -- a minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips. Now a new chocolate bar is proving you can get your fix without the slightest bit of guilt.
You know the saying -- a minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips. Now a new chocolate bar is proving you can get your fix without the slightest bit of guilt. A San Diego man is combining the indulgence of chocolate with the health benefits of red wine.
People put off getting help for hearing loss for a number of reasons that range from not wanting to show signs of vulnerability to being fearful of having to wear a bulky hearing aid. Although understandable, the benefits of getting help far outweigh the reasons for avoiding seeing a hearing specialist.
Don't let your workout routine set with the summer sun. There are ways to get fit in the winter without freezing outside or joining a gym. Try these suggestions.
Wednesday, October 26 2011 6:11 PM EDT2011-10-26 22:11:44 GMT
Any dieter knows that it's hard to keep off weight you've lost. Now a study finds that even a year after dieters shed a good chunk of weight quickly, their hormones were still insisting, "Eat! Eat! Eat!"
Any dieter knows that it's hard to keep off weight you've lost. Now a study finds that even a year after dieters shed a good chunk of weight quickly, their hormones were still insisting, "Eat! Eat! Eat!"
When used alone, the asthma medications known as long-acting beta-agonists are associated with an increased risk of serious complications, new research indicates.
Wednesday, October 19 2011 6:42 PM EDT2011-10-19 22:42:48 GMT
Back in the 1990s, the federal government tried an unusual social experiment: It offered thousands of poor women in big-city public housing a chance to live in more affluent neighborhoods.
Back in the 1990s, the federal government tried an unusual social experiment: It offered thousands of poor women in big-city public housing a chance to live in more affluent neighborhoods.
Tuesday, October 18 2011 10:19 PM EDT2011-10-19 02:19:06 GMT
Why would Rady Children's Hospital make their facility even creepier for their young patients? We went there Tuesday to see if their Halloween party was a trick or treat.
For any child, a hospital can be a scary place. So why would Rady Children's Hospital make their facility even creepier for their young patients? We went there Tuesday to see if their Halloween party was a trick or treat.
When it comes to telling the difference between candy and some medications, teachers are almost as likely to make an error as kindergartners, according to new research conducted by two enterprising elementary schoolers.
The symptoms aren't often alarming: headache, stomachache, fatigue. But they tend to come on weekdays, specifically when your child should be heading off to school.
A dog found shot on the side of an East County road is listed in critical condition Tuesday at the VCA Emergency Animal Hospital in Mission Valley.More>>
It's been almost two years since the FDA approved a new time-release design of Oxycontin to prevent illegal misuse and abuse of the pain relieving drug. More>>
