Health Tip: Diabetics, Take Care of Your Feet

(HealthDay News) -- Foot ulcers (sores) are common in people with diabetes. Left uncontrolled or untreated, they can lead to amputation. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of extremity amputation in the United States in cases that don't involve a traumatic injury.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Birth Defects

(HealthDay News) -- Although birth defects can't always be prevented, there are plenty of steps pregnant women can take to help reduce the risk.

People in Poor Neighborhoods Have More Pain, Study Finds

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Adults under the age of 50 who live in low-income neighborhoods experience more chronic pain than those in more affluent communities, new research finds.

Insulin Resistance May Lead to Kidney Disease in the Elderly: Study

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Elderly people with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease, and insulin resistance may be the central hub that links metabolic syndrome and kidney-function decline, according to a new study.

Cured Meat Products Linked to Lung Disease Flare-Ups

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Eating too much lunch meat, bacon, hot dogs and such could worsen symptoms of airway diseases like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, a new study suggests.

Certain Beliefs Motivate Health Care Workers to Get Flu Shots

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- The belief that a seasonal flu shot is effective is far more likely to convince health care workers to get vaccinated than reminding them it will help safeguard patients, a new study suggests.

Women Fare Better With Heart Failure

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Women with heart failure are less likely to die than men with the condition, according to new research from Europe.

Fruits, Veggies Can Be Beauty Tools, Study Says

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- The key to a rosy, healthy-looking complexion may be as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables, researchers say.

Gene Mutations Linked to Crohn's Disease in Ashkenazi Jews

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have identified five new genetic mutations associated with Crohn's disease in Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews) and say their findings may help explain why Crohn's is nearly four times more prevalent in this group than in the general population.

Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals Found in Many Household Products: Study

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Tests of more than 200 common household products found that the products contain chemicals that research suggests may be linked to asthma and hormone disruption, researchers report.

U.S. Army Suicides Rising Sharply, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, March 7 (HealthDay News) -- Suicides among U.S. soldiers rose 80 percent from 2004 to 2008, an Army study found.

Rheumatoid Arthritis May Raise Risk of Heart Rhythm Disorder

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation, a new study finds.

Acid Reflux From Chronic Heartburn May Damage Teeth

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- If you have chronic heartburn, it's not only your esophagus that you should be worried about. New research reveals how the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an influx of acid into the mouth.

Could Fat Be Your Friend Over Age 85?

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Medical experts have long known that obesity can take years off your life, but a new Israeli study suggests that if you're lucky enough to reach your mid-80s, carrying some extra pounds might actually help you live longer.

Light or Moderate Drinking Linked to Lower Stroke Risk in Women

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption might reduce stroke risk in women, new research suggests.

Health Highlights: March 8, 2012

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

Alzheimer's, Dementia Care to Cost U.S. $200 Billion This Year

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- Caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia will cost the United States about $200 billion this year, a total that includes $140 billion paid by Medicare and Medicaid, new statistics released Thursday show.

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.

Surgeon General: Nearly 4 Million U.S. Kids Still Smoke

THURSDAY, March 8 (HealthDay News) -- More than 3.6 million children and teens in the United States smoke, according to a Surgeon General's report released Thursday that calls on the nation to curb youth smoking.