Obesity, Diabetes Pose 1-2 Threat to Young Americans

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors have long been concerned that increasing rates of childhood obesity could fuel a diabetes epidemic.

A Life-Saving Lesson That Took Decades to Learn

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors diagnosed Ronda Keys with type 2 diabetes when she was 19 years old and a student at the University of Maryland.

Health Tip: Dealing With Alzheimer's

(HealthDay News) -- Getting a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease doesn't mean life as you know it is ending. People with Alzheimer's can lead a purposeful and productive life if they take steps to care for their physical and mental health, the Alzheimer's Association says.

Health Tip: What is a Night Terror?

(HealthDay News) -- A night terror may cause a child to wake up sweating and screaming, and parents might think their child is having a "super" nightmare.

Tips to Keep Winter Sports Injury-Free

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- To avoid serious winter sports injuries, skiers, snowboarders, sledders and skaters should take simple safety precautions, orthopedic experts say.

For Some Couples, Binge Drinking Is Routine

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Binge drinking can be contagious between romantic partners, according to a new study.

Tips to Start Running and Stay Motivated in 2012

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Taking up running is a good way to boost your fitness level in the year ahead, but one expert cautioned that anyone new to the sport -- or exercise in general -- should have realistic expectations about the commitment it takes to reach their goals.

Health Care Reform Battle Tops Health News for 2011

THURSDAY, Dec. 29 (HealthDay News) -- 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.

Crowding in ER May Delay Pain Relief for Kids

THURSDAY, Dec. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Overcrowding in emergency rooms appears to keep children with broken arms and legs from getting pain relief in a timely manner, according to a new study.

U.S. Blacks More Likely to Die of Colon Cancer Than Whites: Study

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Although colorectal cancer death rates in the United States have fallen across the board over the last 20 years, the dip has been smaller among blacks than whites, a new study indicates.

Meth Users Much More Likely to Try Suicide

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Drug users who inject themselves with methamphetamine are 80 percent more likely to attempt suicide than those abusing other drugs, new research reveals.

Multiple Sclerosis May Cause Changes in Thalamus: Study

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that in addition to the disabling lesions it's known to cause, multiple sclerosis also damages the part of the brain that affects thinking skills, motor function and the senses.

PTSD, Respiratory Problems May Be Linked in 9/11 Responders

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) --Among 9/11 responders at the World Trade Center, the onset of respiratory problems and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seems to be strongly correlated, with indications that PTSD may lay the groundwork for the development of breathing issues, a new study finds.

Gene Mutations Linked to Thyroid Cancer Risk: Study

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have identified three gene abnormalities that appear to raise the likelihood for developing the thyroid cancer, with one in particular -- the PTEN gene -- implicated in children's risk for the disease.

MP3 Players May Be Major Source of Hearing Loss

FRIDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- A new study suggests that about 90 percent of New York City residents may be at risk of hearing loss due to noise exposure, with MP3 players appearing to be a major culprit.

Health Highlights: Dec. 30, 2011

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