Health Tip: Swim to Get Fit

(HealthDay News) -- Though swimming is a low-impact aerobic exercise, it's important to protect yourself from injury.

Health Tip: Cosmetics May Have Side Effects

(HealthDay News) -- Cosmetic products often contain fragrances and preservatives, which could cause skin problems and other side effects among some users.

Scrutinizing Faces Might Catch Liars, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Liars can control certain facial expressions when facing scrutiny, but they can't suppress them completely or every time, a new study shows.

Study: Inherited Alzheimer's Detectable 20 Years Before Symptom Onset

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease may be detectable up to two decades before problems with memory and thinking develop, according to new research.

Fewer Surgical Errors Reported at VA Medical Facilities

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- The number of surgical errors at VA medical centers is on the decline, a new study finds.

Rude Surgeons Hurt Patients, Increase Costs

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- The behavior of surgeons in the operating room affects more than their patients' health, new research indicates.

Preemies at Risk for Psychiatric Disorders as Teens, Study Contends

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Premature infants are at greater risk for certain psychiatric disorders as teenagers, including attention deficit hyperactivity and depression, a new study suggests.

Does Your Personality Dictate Whether You'll Be Overweight?

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Personality traits may play key roles in body weight, according to a new U.S. study.

Experimental Drug Might Help Fight Alzheimer's After All

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News)-- An experimental drug for treating Alzheimer's disease that previously showed troubling side effects may actually be safe in the long run, researchers report.

Stopping Daily Aspirin Boosts Heart Attack Risk: Study

TUESDAY, July 19 (HealthDay News) -- People with heart disease who stop taking their daily low-dose aspirin may put themselves at a greater risk of having a heart attack, a new study finds.

International Poll Shows Many Fear Alzheimer's as Much as Cancer

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- A new international survey reveals that many people view Alzheimer's disease as a major health threat, fearing its onset nearly as much as they do cancer.

High-Tech Football Helmets Gauge Force of Collision

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- High-tech helmets worn by some U.S. high school football players can quantify the force of impact, offering new insight into head and spine injuries.

Health Highlights: July 20, 2011

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

'Heat Dome' Continues to Throttle U.S.

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- The meteorological monster -- dubbed a "heat dome" by weather experts -- that has wilted much of the United States from the Southwest to the Ohio Valley for days, pushed into the Northeast Wednesday, bearing oppressive humidity, temperatures in the high 90s and heat indices surpassing 100 degrees.

Scientists Close in on Origins of Psoriasis, Eczema

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis and eczema both cause red, scaly skin rashes, but the similarities between the two common, distressing conditions typically end there.

Are Taller People at Heightened Cancer Risk?

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Tall folks may be more likely than shorter people to develop cancer, new British research says.

Cheaper DNA Sequencing Coming Closer

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- The race to develop the $1,000 genome test may be heating up. New technology promises to cut costs while speeding the amount of time it takes to decipher all of your genes and potentially provide a personalized report of health risks and possible therapies, a new report says.

Breathing Problems Strike Soldiers Returning From Iraq

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- Some U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering unexplained breathing problems that may be related to exposure to unknown toxins, a new study indicates.

Largest Ob/Gyn Group Backs Annual Mammograms in 40s

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- The value of annual mammograms for women in their 40s -- the topic of a lingering debate among health policy and advocacy groups -- has drawn resounding support from the nation's largest group of obstetricians/gynecologists.

FDA Approves Blood Thinner Brilinta for Heart Patients

WEDNESDAY, July 20 (HealthDay News) -- In a long-awaited move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration late Wednesday approved the blood thinner Brilinta (ticagrelor) for use in patients with acute coronary syndromes, to help lower their odds for heart attack and death.