Spiritual Talks May Boost Patients' View of Hospital Care

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Hospitalized patients who are able to talk about their religious and spiritual concerns are more satisfied with their care, but one-fifth are not given the chance to have these discussions, researchers have found.

Health Tip: Protect Against Bug Bites

(HealthDay News) -- Insect bites can cause uncomfortable itching, and may transmit diseases such as West Nile virus.

Health Tip: Keep Air Healthy at Home

(HealthDay News) -- Irritants, pollutants and allergens can infiltrate your home and affect the indoor air quality.

Preparation Key When Kids With Asthma Go Back to School

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- As many kids with asthma get ready to head back to school this fall, the American Lung Association urged parents to prepare a detailed action plan to manage their child's condition and help ease their transition back to the classroom.

Teen Athletes at Greater Risk for Osteoarthritis: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Children and teens with abnormal development of the long bone between the pelvis and knee from playing high-intensity sports, such as soccer and basketball, are at greater risk for osteoarthritis of the hip, according to a new study.

Chickenpox Vaccine May Wipe Out Related Deaths: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- The varicella vaccine has nearly wiped out deaths from chickenpox in the United States, a new study shows.

Many Doctors Ignore Cancer Genetic Testing Guidelines

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Many doctors are not following guidelines on genetic counseling and testing for women at average and high risk for breast and ovarian cancer, according to a new study.

Blue-Collar Employees With Arthritis Working Past 65: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Although many Americans continue to work beyond retirement age, blue-collar workers are more likely to remain on the job after they turn 65 than white-collar employees, a new study has found.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Teens Often Homeless: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Gay, lesbian or bisexual teens are more vulnerable to homelessness than their heterosexual peers, new study results show.

Anti-Clotting Drug May Cause Severe Bleeding With No Benefit

SUNDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- For patients suffering chest pain, adding a new anti-clotting drug, Eliquis, to dual antiplatelet therapy may result in severe bleeding without reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study finds.

Kids With ADHD Less Adept at Crossing the Street: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have one more worry to add to their list: Kids younger than 10 years old with ADHD may be unable to cross the street safely on their own.

Transitional Care May Cut Hospital Readmission Rates

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Older patients who complete transitional care programs after being discharged from the hospital are much less likely to be readmitted to the hospital, two new studies show.

Health Highlights: July 25, 2011

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Blood Test May Better Predict Diabetics' Heart Risk: Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- A standard test used to measure blood sugar levels in people with diabetes could also help predict their risk of cardiovascular disease, a new study suggests.

CDC Issues Guidance for Coping With Lingering Heat

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Residents still struggling with extreme hot weather in the Midwest, South and East Coast need to make sure they stay cool and hydrated to prevent heat illnesses and injuries such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, federal health officials said Monday.

Smoking After Heart Attack Raises Risk of Dying

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- People who resume smoking after hospitalization for a heart attack are more likely to die than those who quit for good, a new Italian study confirms.

Antibiotics Beat Cranberries at Fighting Urinary Tract Infections in Study

MONDAY, July 25 (HealthDay News) -- Many women swear by cranberry juice or capsules for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections, but new Dutch research indicates that antibiotics may be more effective even if they contribute to a greater risk for antibiotic resistance.