How to Survive the Holiday Eating Season

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Lots of folks don't think about what they eat over the holiday season until January, when they stare sadly at the number on the scale and then trudge off to hit the gym, join Weight Watchers or pick up the latest fad diet book.

Health Tip: Improving Your Cholesterol

(HealthDay News) -- High levels of LDL (the so-called "bad" cholesterol) or triglycerides puts you at higher risk of heart attack and stroke.

Health Tip: Diabetes Can Raise the Risk of Skin Infections

(HealthDay News) -- At some time in their lives, as many as one-third of people with diabetes will develop a skin infection, the American Diabetes Association says.

Caring for Low Birth-Weight Baby Hard on Moms: Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Women with low birth-weight babies -- those less than about 3.3 pounds -- are more likely to have health problems five years later than mothers of normal birth-weight children, a new study finds.

Hearing Devices More Apt to Fail in Children Who Had Meningitis

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- For children who have an implanted cochlear device, rates for replacement due to device failure are low. However, children who have hearing loss caused by bacterial meningitis before a device was implanted appear to be at increased risk for it to fail, a new study finds.

Chronic School Absenteeism Linked to Mental Health Problems

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Children who miss school often are more likely to have symptoms of mental health problems as teens, a new study finds.

Does Your Teen Constantly Challenge You?

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Does your teen often disagree with your views -- and let you know exactly why he or she knows you're wrong? Is your teen able to make well-reasoned, albeit annoying, arguments for being able to stay out later, or not cleaning the bedroom?

Teens Become Less Active as They Enter Adulthood

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Young adults entering college often become much less active than they were as teenagers, a new study finds.

Noisy Toys Might Harm Kids' Hearing

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Some toys at the top of children's Christmas wish lists could pose a hearing threat, according to researchers.

Most Weight Regained by Older Women Is Fat, Study Finds

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Some weight regain is common after weight loss, but in older women many of those regained pounds return as fat mass rather than muscle mass, according to a new study.

Frankincense Production May Be Doomed

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers warn that the trees that produce frankincense are being lost at such a high rate that production of the fragrant resin could fall by half over the next 15 years.

As Gastric Banding Increases, So May Complications

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Use of gastric bands as a weight-loss aid is increasing, and doctors need to be alert for potential complications years later, say the authors of a new case report.

As Obesity Rises, More Suffer From Acid Reflux

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 21 (HealthDay News) -- As the obesity epidemic spreads around the world more people are suffering from acid reflux, likely increasing the number of those who will develop esophageal cancer, a new study suggests.

Chorus Gives Voice to Those With Alzheimer's

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Late December wouldn't be the same without the uplifting sound of holiday choirs, but there's a unique chorus in New York City, called "The Unforgettables," that's bringing new harmony to singers and audiences alike.

Health Highlights: Dec. 22, 2011

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

Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommended for Adults With Diabetes

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes aged 19 to 59, say new guidelines from the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Journal Retracts Faulty Chronic Fatigue Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Laying rest to a long-simmering controversy, editors at the journal Science have retracted a paper that pinpointed a specific virus as the likely cause of chronic fatigue syndrome.