Aromatherapy: More Than Just a Pleasant Scent?

WEDNESDAY, April 25 (HealthDay News) -- Aromatherapy is beginning to enter the medical mainstream, with groups as diverse as the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs touting the use of fragrance as a therapy that can complement traditional health care.

Health Tip: Dealing With Stress

(HealthDay News) -- A key way to handle stress is not to avoid life's challenges, but to deal with them head-on, the Cleveland Clinic says.

Health Tip: Why Is My Aging Skin So Dry?

(HealthDay News) -- As the typical person ages, the skin looses its plump, smooth appearance. Ever wonder why?

Anti-Smoking TV Ads From Tobacco Industry Don't Help

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- While anti-tobacco TV ads help reduce adult smoking, some ads work better than others, a new study says.

Americans Support Medicare Reform, But Not on Their Dime: Poll

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Medicare, the federal health insurance program for older and disabled Americans, may be hurtling toward the critical list, but most people don't want to pay for needed reforms from their own wallets, a new Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll finds.

Scientists Identify Gene Behind Pygmies' Short Stature

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have identified genes linked to the small stature of Western African Pygmies in Cameroon.

Kids' Kidney Transplant Rules May Have Shrunk 'Race Gap'

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Racial disparities in kidney transplants for U.S. children have fallen since a new policy was introduced in 2005 by the United Network for Organ Sharing, researchers say.

Another Drug 'Take-Back Day' Scheduled for Saturday

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- The fourth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says.

Fatigue Not a Factor in Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Says

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Poor sleep is not a significant predictor of pain intensity and duration in patients with fibromyalgia, a new study says.

Preventable Injuries Sideline One-Third of Young Athletes

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- One in three American children who plays team sports suffers injuries severe enough to require medical treatment, according to a national survey released Tuesday by Safe Kids.

College Kids Often Use Cell Phones While Driving: Study

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Distracted driving due to texting and use of other electronic devices is common among college students in California, according to a new study.

Battling the Bullying of an Autistic Child

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- From the time she was a toddler, Abby Mahoney's parents knew she was different. She could name 200 dinosaurs by age 3, and offered up detailed theories about why they became extinct.

Warnings on Cigarette Packs May Keep Ex-Smokers From Relapse

WEDNESDAY, April 25 (HealthDay News) -- Warnings on cigarette packages about the health hazards of smoking can help deter many ex-smokers from lighting up again, a new international study finds.

Eating Berries Might Help Preserve Your Memory

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Regular consumption of berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, may help keep your brain functioning well as you age, new research suggests.

Analytical Thinkers Seem to Be Less Religious, Study Suggests

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- A new study links analytical thinking -- whether it's a natural state or temporarily coaxed by researchers -- to less belief in religion.

Health Highlights: April 26, 2012

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

Toxic Gas in Dogs' Vomit a Threat to Vets: CDC

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Dogs who accidentally eat a commercial poison to combat gophers and moles can emit a toxic gas that can sicken veterinary staff, a new report indicates.

Many U.S. Workers Sleep-Deprived: CDC

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- Many American workers get fewer than six hours of sleep each night, putting themselves and their co-workers at risk for serious and sometimes deadly consequences, federal health officials said Thursday.

Healthy Behaviors Extend Life After Cancer, Experts Say

THURSDAY, April 26 (HealthDay News) -- A healthy lifestyle -- including eating right, exercising and maintaining normal weight -- can boost the odds of long-term cancer survival, especially for breast, colorectal or prostate cancer, according to new recommendations from the American Cancer Society.