Gentle Horses Help Rein in Autism in Kids

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Over the eight years that Mary Cusack has been raising her son, Nicky, she's become familiar with finger 'stims' -- the repetitive hand movements that Nicky and others with autism often display. If left unchecked, Nicky's stimming can interfere with everyday activities.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Motion Sickness

(HealthDay News) -- Nothing can ruin a road trip faster than a bout of motion sickness.

Health Tip: Considering a Midwife?

(HealthDay News) -- Some women may choose to deliver a baby with the help of a midwife rather than a doctor.

Human Sperm Gene Hasn't Changed for 600 Million Years

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- The gene in men that's responsible for sperm production is 600 million years old and appears to be the only gene exclusively required for sperm production in creatures ranging from insects to mammals.

Silicon Oil May Protect Vision From Radiation for Eye Cancer

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Shielding the eye with silicon oil may safeguard the eyesight of patients who must undergo radiation therapy for an eye cancer known as ocular melanoma, new research suggests.

Gay Couples Vulnerable to HIV When Monogamy Is Unsure

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- A new study finds that 8 percent of gay male couples surveyed in the San Francisco area have differing views about whether their relationships are monogamous -- potentially putting some men at an unknowing risk of being infected with HIV.

Viral 'Fingerprint' in Gut Unique in Everyone, Scientists Discover

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Each person has a unique collection of what could be described as friendly viruses in their lower intestine, new research shows.

Scientists Create 'Malaria-Proof' Mosquito

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- In what might someday be a major advance against one of the world's most devastating diseases, researchers say they've created a mosquito that is unable to infect humans with malaria.

No-Shame Programs May Appeal to Obese

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Obese people prefer lifestyle change programs to help them shed excess pounds, rather than strategies that focus only on weight loss, a new study finds.

Mom's Mental State Influenced Kids' Well-Being After 9/11: Study

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- For New York City preschoolers, having a mother with lingering mental health issues after the 9/11 attacks influenced how they fared emotionally more than whether the children had actually witnessed the attacks, a new study finds.

New Clues to How Cancer Patients' Genes Influence Treatment

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists are releasing the first results from a major study looking at how cancer patients' genes influence the success of the therapies they receive.

Dementia May Differ in Those With and Without Diabetes

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Vascular disease, which affects blood flow in brain vessels, appears to be a common cause of dementia in some people with diabetes, new study findings suggest.

Avandia Raises Heart Risk But Should Stay on Market, FDA Panel Finds

WEDNESDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- The controversial diabetes drug Avandia does raise the risk of heart attack more than other medications of its kind but should stay on the market with tightened controls, a U.S. government advisory panel recommended late Wednesday.

New Private Health Plans Must Offer Preventive Care

WEDNESDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- New private health plans must cover preventive services such as blood pressure tests and cancer screenings with no cost-sharing requirements for consumers, according to new U.S. regulations issued Wednesday.

Arthroscopic Hip Surgery May Help Athletes Get Back to Play

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- The use of minimally invasive "arthroscopic" surgery to treat painful disorders of the hip offers athletes who undergo the procedure a good shot at ultimately resuming their respective sport at a highly competitive level, a new study suggests.

More Study Urged on Risks, Benefits of Earlier HIV Therapy

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Among HIV patients with a high level of CD4 immune cells, those who aren't taking antiretroviral therapy have a moderately increased risk of death, a new study has found.

Health Highlights: July 15, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: July 15, 2010

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Too Many Tots Watching Too Much TV: Study

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- A study of 2-year-olds in Oregon finds that almost 20 percent watch more than the recommended two hours of television a day.

More Americans Abusing Prescription Painkillers

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- Substance abuse treatment admissions for non-medical use of prescription pain relievers have increased more than 400 percent over 10 years, according to a new government study released Thursday.

Stroke Risk May Rise First Hour After Drinking

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- For an hour after drinking even a small amount of alcohol, the risk of stroke increases, a small, preliminary study suggests.

Diabetics Urged to Confer With Their Doctor About Avandia Use

THURSDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- One day after a U.S. advisory panel recommended that the controversial diabetes drug Avandia stay on the market -- albeit with added restrictions -- several medical organizations are urging patients not to change their medications before consulting a health-care professional.