Health Tip: How to Avoid Secondhand Smoke

(HealthDay News) -- Secondhand smoke can cause illness and early death in adults and children who don't smoke.

Health Tip: Traveling By Plane During Pregnancy?

(HealthDay News) -- If you travel by plane during pregnancy, take some extra time to ensure a more comfortable journey.

Parents of Children With Cancer Wary of Online Health Information

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Parents of children with cancer often distrust online information about their child's illness and also fear what kind of information they might find, according to a new study.

ER Docs Can Help Curb Patient Alcohol Abuse, Drunk Driving

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Problem drinkers are more likely to reduce their alcohol consumption after receiving counseling from an emergency room physician, according to a new study. ER doctors can also deter heavy drinkers from driving while under the influence, the study found.

Study Suggests Treating Dyslexia Before Kids Learn to Read

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment for dyslexia can begin even before children start learning to read, a new study suggests.

Women on Dialysis May Experience Sexual Problems: Survey

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Many women on dialysis for kidney failure may suffer sexual problems, according to a new observational study from Italy.

Follow-Up Procedures Common in Women After Breast-Conserving Surgery

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Many breast cancer patients who have undergone breast-conserving surgery undergo follow-up diagnostic and invasive breast procedures, a new study says.

Taking Multivitamins Won't Prevent Canker Sores, Study Says

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Although vitamin deficiencies have been linked to canker sores, taking a daily multivitamin won't prevent this common mouth ailment, a new study finds.

Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Early and Aggressively: Guidelines

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- More aggressive treatment for people in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is among the most important changes recommended in updated American College of Rheumatology treatment guidelines.

Depression, Anxiety Tied to Physical Disabilities in Seniors

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Seniors with psychological distress such as depression or anxiety are more likely to have physical disabilities, a new Australian study says.

False-Positive Mammogram Results May Turn Out Not to Be: Study

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Women who have a false-positive result on their mammogram may be at higher long-term risk of developing breast cancer than those whose initial test is negative, according to a new Danish study.

From a Failed Vaccine, New Insights Into Fighting HIV

WEDNESDAY, April 4 (HealthDay News) -- A new study offers insight into why an HIV vaccine failed to protect most people who received it, but it also points to promising new targets for future vaccine efforts.

Texting in College Classrooms Common, Distracting

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- College students are texting frequently during class time, and that may interfere with their ability to pay attention and learn, a new study finds.

Infection Might Raise Blood Clot Risk for Older Adults: Study

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Infections, especially among older adults, may increase the risk of developing potentially dangerous blood clots, a new study suggests.

Pesticides May Be Linked to Slightly Smaller Babies, Shorter Pregnancies

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to a type of pesticide commonly used on crops eaten by U.S. consumers is linked to shorter pregnancies and smaller babies, new research says.

Improved Stem Cell Line May Avoid Tumor Risk: Study

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- Developing stem cell lines that don't have cells that potentially grow into tumors has been one of the biggest challenges for stem cell therapies.

Health Highlights: April 5, 2012

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

Study Finds Antibiotics Best for Appendicitis

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- For people suffering from uncomplicated appendicitis, a course of antibiotics may be just as good as having the appendix removed, British researchers report.

Sex Education Efforts Lagging in Schools, CDC Says

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- There's been little progress in recent years in boosting the number of American secondary schools that teach students how to prevent pregnancy and protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

U.S. Poultry Still Fed Banned Antibiotics: Report

THURSDAY, April 5 (HealthDay News) -- There's evidence that a class of antibiotics banned for use in poultry in 2005 is still being used in U.S. poultry production, a new study says.