Health Tip: Prevent Swimmer's Ear

(HealthDay News) -- Swimmer's ear occurs when water builds up in the ear, causing an infection of the outer ear canal. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, redness and draining pus.

Health Tip: Factors That Contribute to Skin Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- People who have had severe blistering sunburns or frequent exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays are at greater risk of developing skin cancer, the U.S. National Cancer Institute reminds us.

Adding Folate to Tortilla Flour Might Cut Birth Defects Among Hispanics

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- To reduce neural tube defects among the U.S. Hispanic population, fortify the corn flour used to make tortillas with folic acid, experts suggest.

Night Owls' Poor Sleep Habits Can Hurt Grades

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Students who are night owls have worse grades in high school and the beginning years of college, research has shown.

Income Disparities May Be Making Americans Unhappy

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The growing gap between the richest Americans and everyone else is making many people with middle and low incomes unhappy, researchers have found.

New Memory Theory Focuses on Brain-Wave Levels

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Your ability to remember things may vary according to levels of certain brain waves at a given moment, a new study suggests.

HPV Vaccine May Cut Rate of Cervical Cancer 'Precursors'

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The introduction of a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in Australia led to a reduction in high-grade cervical abnormalities that are precursors to cervical cancer, a new study reports.

Lung Health of Police Responders From 9/11 Called 'Encouraging'

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- No long-term decrease in lung function has been seen in 95 percent of the officers from the New York Police Department's Emergency Services Unit who responded to the 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, according to a new study.

Mouse Study Uncovers the Roots of Gray Hair

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The roots of gray hair may lie in a particular type of communication between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells, the cells that make and store the pigments in skin and hair, a new study suggests.

Cancer Risk With Barrett's Esophagus May Be Lower Than Thought

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of cancer associated with the condition known as Barrett's esophagus may be lower than previously thought, according to a new long-term study.

Scientists Pinpoint Parts of Brain That Help People Recognize Themselves

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have pinpointed the brain regions that enable people to recognize their body as their own, one of the most fundamental aspects of self-awareness.

Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Less Obese Patients: Study

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Obese patients whose body-mass index (BMI) falls below the minimum level recommended for weight-loss surgery may have better outcomes than those who are more obese, new research suggests.

HRT May Reduce Risk of Peripheral Artery Disease

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appears to help protect postmenopausal women against the development of peripheral artery disease, new research indicates.

Fast-Food Outlets Near Schools May Not Be Making Teens Fat

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- If a new survey of high school teens in Maine is any indication, locating fast-food outlets near schools may not actually affect students' chances of being overweight.

Health Highlights: June 16, 2011

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

Nulojix Approved to Help Thwart Kidney Rejection

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Nulojix (belatacept) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent rejection of a transplanted kidney in adults.

Diabetes Drug Actos May Raise Risk for Bladder Cancer: FDA

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers that the popular diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone) may increase the risk of bladder cancer when used for more than a year.

High School Kids Get Too Many Sugary Drinks, Too Little Exercise: CDC

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) When it comes to the eating and exercise habits of America's teens, new data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paints a decidedly pessimistic picture.

New U.S. Health Initiative Highlights Disease Prevention

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- Good medical care alone won't build a healthy nation, said U.S. government officials on Thursday as they unveiled a new national initiative that will emphasize wellness and disease prevention.

Smoking-Cessation Drug Chantix Linked to Heart Problems

THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The quit-smoking drug Chantix may lead to a small but increased risk of heart problems in people with cardiovascular disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.