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February 03, 2010

Brain Scans Suggest Some Vegetative Patients May Be Aware

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Some patients thought to be in a vegetative state actually show signs of consciousness when assessed with a brain scan.

Wii Popularity Leads to New Kind of Gaming Injury

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Following the introduction of Wii to video gaming in 2006, more than just the ligaments and tendons in the hands of players are getting injured these days: a new report details foot injuries that have been incurred while playing with the Wii.

Visual Processing Plays Role in Body Dysmorphic Disorder

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- The brains of people with a psychiatric condition called body dysmorphic disorder -- which causes them to believe they're disfigured and ugly -- respond differently than normal to images of their face, U.S. researchers have found.

Immigrants at Lower Stroke Risk Than Long-Term Residents?

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Recent immigrants to Canada and the United States may be less likely to suffer a stroke at a young age than long-term residents, a new study has found.

Kidney Function May Be Tied to Bone Loss

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Even a slight loss of kidney function is associated with increased loss of bone mineral density and greater risk of disabling fractures that can lead to premature death, researchers say.

Organ Transplant Drug Keeps Immune System in Check

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Adding a new drug to the heavy regimen of immunosuppressant drugs given to organ transplant recipients not only prevented rejection of the new organ but also cut down on the amount of immunosuppressant drugs needed, a new study finds.

Very Obese People May Be Missing Genes

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Adding more evidence to theories linking DNA to weight, European scientists report that a genetic variation seems to virtually guarantee that a person will become obese.

Brain Damage Seen in People With Severe Sleep Apnea

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- People with severe obstructive sleep apnea have reduced concentrations of gray matter in multiple areas of the brain, new research shows.

When Counseling Costs, Response Dwindles

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Whether response to counseling programs on obesity and smoking is positive depends on whether the programs are free, a new study has found.

Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 3, 2010

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

Xiaflex Approved for Rare Hand Condition

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first drug to treat a disabling hand condition called Dupuytren's contracture.

Health Highlights: Feb. 3, 2010

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

Tylenol May Protect Kidneys After Severe Muscle Damage

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- The pain reliever acetaminophen, commonly sold as Tylenol, may help protect the kidneys after a person suffers severe muscle injury, new findings show.

Mealtime a Challenge for Some With Autism

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- If you think your child is a picky eater, consider what Ryan Kemp's parents faced when he was a child.

Internet Addicts More Prone to Depression

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Internet addicts who devote much of their lives to browsing the Web are more likely to show signs of depression, British researchers have found.

Biking to School Boosts Kids' Fitness

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- New British research suggests that kids -- especially girls -- who ride bicycles to school are in better shape than those who walk and take buses or cars.

Health Tip: Help Your Newborn Learn

(HealthDay News) -- Your newborn isn't too young to begin learning, the Nemours Foundation says. Age-appropriate toys can stimulate the developing senses of touch, sound and site.

Health Tip: Things that May Cause or Worsen GERD

(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

Winter Sun Warrants Sunscreen

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3 (HealthDay News) -- For many, winter is a time to put aside swimsuits, sandals and sunscreens.