Exercise Might Boost Kids' Academic Ability

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Promoting physical activity among young school kids can end up improving their academic performance, a new study suggests.

Married Heart Surgery Patients Live Longer

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Married heart surgery patients are far less likely than single patients to die in the first three months after their operation, a new study finds.

More Insight on Possible Role of Vitamin D Against Alzheimer's

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have pinpointed how vitamin D3 works with some of the body's cells to help clear the brain of amyloid beta, the main component of plaques that are seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Health Tip: The Right Diet Can Boost Athletic Performance

(HealthDay News) -- Eating the right balance of nutritious foods can improve athletic performance, whether you're an elite athlete or just enjoy sports and exercise on a regular basis.

Health Tip: Caring for Baby After Circumcision

(HealthDay News) -- Circumcision is a procedure sometimes performed on newborn boys to remove the foreskin of the penis. After the procedure, it's important for new parents to take proper care to prevent infection and speed healing.

Lost Hour of Sleep Over Weekend May Put Heart at Risk Monday

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Not only do you lose an hour of sleep after the clocks move ahead to daylight-saving time this weekend, but you also may be at increased risk for a heart attack, a heart expert claims.

Sugary Drinks Can Be Hard on Heart: Study

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages every day raises men's risk of heart disease, a long-term study finds.

Stair-Related Injuries a Threat to Preschoolers: Study

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Every six minutes, a child under the age of 5 is treated in the ER for a stair-related injury, new U.S. research shows.

Circumcision Linked to Lower Risk for Prostate Cancer, Study Finds

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Men who have prostate cancer are less likely to be circumcised, according to new research.

Seniors' Long-Term Use of Strong Painkillers a Concern

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Older patients prescribed narcotic painkiller drugs, such as codeine or oxycodone, soon after short-stay surgery are at increased risk of becoming long-term users, a new study finds.

Poorer, Obese Adults Might Benefit From Behavior-Change Program

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- A behavioral intervention program helped low-income obese people lose a few pounds and improve their blood-pressure control, according to a two-year study.

Farm Hazards a Serious Threat to Kids, Study Finds

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Almost 27,000 children are injured on farms in the United States each year, and many require hospitalization, according to a new study.

Childhood Leukemia Survival Rates Reach 90 Percent

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Children with the most common type of leukemia now have a dramatically better chance of survival, a new study shows.

FDA Panel Recommends Second Chance for New Class of Painkillers

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended on Monday that the makers of a new class of painkillers be given a second chance to develop the powerful drugs, despite concerns about joint failures.

Health Highlights: March 12, 2012

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

Giving Docs iPads Might Boost Patient Care

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Providing medical residents with personal mobile computers appears to boost efficiency, reduce delays in patient care and improve continuity of care, a new study shows.

Red Meat Can Be Unhealthy, Study Suggests

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- Eating a lot of red meat may shorten your life, while consuming more fish and poultry may extend it, a new study suggests.

Can Statins Prevent Parkinson's Disease?

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- People taking popular cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may have a slightly lower risk than others of developing Parkinson's disease, new research suggests.

Health Insurance Premiums Will Surpass Median Household Income in 2033: Study

MONDAY, March 12 (HealthDay News) -- If current trends continue, health insurance premiums will surpass the median U.S. household income in 2033, a new study says.