Help Your Kids Stay in Shape This Summer

SATURDAY, July 9 (HealthDay News) -- A bit of planning can help parents ensure their children eat right and get enough exercise during the summer, experts say.

For People With Diabetes, Pets May Pose Unusual Hazards

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Pet owners are familiar with cats pouncing on their feet under the covers or a pooch who nibbles their toes in bed.

Health Tip: Dealing With Social Phobia

(HealthDay News) -- Social phobia is an irrational fear of social situations, including being judged or scrutinized by others.

Health Tip: If a Person With Alzheimer's Is Confused

(HealthDay News) -- Many people with Alzheimer's disease may become upset, fearful and agitated when confused.

Older Adults Have to Exercise More to Maintain Muscle Size, Study Finds

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Older adults have to exercise more than younger adults in order to maintain muscle size, according to a new study.

Sleep Apnea Linked to Blood Vessel Disorders in Study

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that causes pauses in breathing during sleep, plays a role in blood vessel abnormalities and should be treated to prevent potentially fatal heart conditions, a new study suggests.

The Hype on Hypoallergenic Dogs Is Just That, Study Warns

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- So-called hypoallergenic dogs are no less likely to make you sneeze than other dogs, a new study says.

Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Seem to Lack Enough Vitamin D

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Vitamin D insufficiency is common among people with psoriatic arthritis, but levels of the vitamin in the blood do not affect disease activity, a new study finds.

Adherence to Angioplasty/Stent Guidelines Lacking: Study

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Many U.S. hospitals don't follow recently revised guidelines for the appropriate use of balloon angioplasty and stenting in patients who have a blocked coronary artery after a heart attack, a new study finds.

Parkinson's Patients Still Prescribed Antipsychotics Despite Warning

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Antipsychotic drugs are still prescribed to more than half of U.S. patients with Parkinson's disease and psychosis even though a warning that these drugs can worsen Parkinson's symptoms was issued six years ago, a new study reveals.

Higher Folic Acid Levels in Teens Tied to Academic Success

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Teens who have high levels of folic acid appear to do better in school than those with lower levels, Swedish researchers report.

ADHD, Learning Issues May Be Linked to Secondhand Smoke

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Children exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes face a higher risk of developing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other behavioral problems and learning disorders, a new study finds.

Coordinated Cooling Effort After Cardiac Arrest Can Improve Outcomes

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Cooling cardiac arrest patients can reduce the risk of lasting neurological damage, but this lifesaving treatment remains largely underutilized, a new study says.

Health Highlights: July 11, 2011

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

Study: Potassium Boosts Heart Health, Salt Harms It

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Too much salt and too little potassium in your diet may boost your risk for cardiovascular disease and death, a new study shows.

Fast Food Is King of the Neighborhood, Study Reports

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Into America's fight against obesity comes new research pitting fast food against fruits and veggies, and fast food, it seems, is the winner.

Deaths Up, Care Levels Down at Teaching Hospitals in July

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- The dog days of summer are a perfect time for hitting the beach. But a summer visit to your local teaching hospital?

Boostrix Approved to Prevent Tetanus, Diphtheria and Whooping Cough in Seniors

MONDAY, July 11 (HealthDay News) -- Approval for the Boostrix vaccine has been expanded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in people 65 and older, the agency said in a news release.