AIDS Research Holds Promise for Reducing HIV Transmission Rates

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The data may at first seem dire: More people are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite Advances, HIV/AIDS Still Takes Heavy Emotional Toll

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- For many it's a good news/bad news scenario.

Health Tip: Spot Problems With a CPAP

(HealthDay News) -- CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) is a device used to improve breathing in people with chronic conditions such as sleep apnea.

Health Tip: Do You Have Psoriatic Arthritis?

(HealthDay News) -- Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that is associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis.

Many Ignore Symptoms of Lung Disease, Study Finds

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Americans' awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rising, but many of those at risk don't talk to their doctor about symptoms, according to a new survey by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Optimism May Help Female Undergrads With Their Grades

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Optimism is associated with higher grades for female students, but lower marks for males, a new study suggests.

Genes May Make Quitting Tougher for Smokers

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Despite decades of public health efforts aimed at snuffing out cigarette smoking, 20 percent of Americans still light up. New research suggests it might be because of their genes.

Time of Surgery Doesn't Influence Results, Study Says

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The timing of an operation doesn't affect a patient's subsequent risk of complications or death, a new study finds.

How to Stay Flu-Free for the Holidays

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The overlap of the cold and flu season with the holiday season can make it a challenge to stay healthy as you go to parties and get together with family and friends.

Studies in Mice May Offer Clues to Cleft Lip

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The genetic repair of cleft lips in mice embryos could eventually lead to new ways to treat and prevent the birth defect in humans, U.S. researchers report.

Younger Americans Face Greater Health Disparities: Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The gap between the least healthy and most healthy people has increased substantially among young American adults, new research suggests.

Veggies, Fruit May Lower Women's Stroke Risk

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Diets rich in antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and whole grains appear to lower a woman's odds for a stroke, even if she has a prior history of heart disease, new research shows.

Ravens Gesture With Beaks Just Like Humans Use Hands

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A new study says ravens use their beaks to point out and hold up objects to attract the attention of other ravens, a behavior so far observed only in humans and great apes.

More Exercise Could Make For Better Sleep: Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A new study suggests regular physical activity might encourage better shut-eye: People who met national exercise guidelines reported better sleep and less daytime fatigue than those who didn't.

Self-Monitoring of Blood Thinner May Halve Clot Risk

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 30 (HealthDay News) -- People taking the blood-thinning drug warfarin who monitor their own blood and adjust their dosage can reduce the risk of blood clots by half, British researchers report.

Experts Urge Posting Meat, Poultry Inspection Data on Web

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Posting information about inspections and testing at meat, poultry and egg processing plants on the Internet so it can be viewed by the public could have "substantial benefits," according to a report released Wednesday.

Multitasking Stresses Out Working Moms More Than Dads

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Ever unload the dishwasher while helping with a child's homework? Ever keep one eye on soccer practice while checking your voice mail and trying to figure out what to make for dinner?

Health Highlights: Dec. 1, 2011

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

Circle of Friends Key to Adopting Healthy Habits: Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Interested in adopting healthier habits? You have a better chance of success if you find a friend with similar traits to share the experience, a new study suggests.

First Generic Lipitor Approved

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The first generic version of the cholesterol-lowering statin Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

FDA Moves to Speed Development of Artificial Pancreas Systems

THURSDAY, Dec. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued new guidelines aimed at helping speed up the development of artificial pancreas systems.