Health Tip: Kids Need to Stop Sucking Their Thumbs

(HealthDay News) -- Thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that allows many children to feel less anxious and more secure.

Health Tip: If You're Lactose Intolerant

(HealthDay News) -- If you're lactose intolerant, you may not need to stop drinking milk completely, experts say.

Study: Digital Beats Film Mammography at Spotting Breast Cancer

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Digital mammography was better than the older film mammography at detecting cancers that could be life-threatening, Dutch researchers report.

Hip Resurfacing More Likely to Fail Than Hip Replacement: Study

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Hip resurfacing fails in many patients and should not be used in women, according to a large new study.

Seniors Who Fell Recently May Fare Worse After Surgery

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Older adults who experience a fall within the six months before major surgery have longer hospital stays and higher rates of complications and disability after their surgery, a new study finds.

Impact Tests Show Bike Helmets Protect Kids in Crashes

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Impact and crush tests show that children's bicycle helmets offer effective protection in crashes, a new study says.

Diabetes Patients Should Have More Voice in Treatment: Experts

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- New guidelines meant to provide type 2 diabetes patients with truly individualized care have been issued by the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

Statins Tied to Reduced Glaucoma Risk

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers may have discovered yet another potential use for the widely used cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins.

Health Highlights: Oct. 2, 2012

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

New Autism Criteria Will Have Minor Impact: Study

TUESDAY, Oct. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Parents should not worry that proposed changes to the criteria for diagnosing autism might leave their child ineligible for care, a new study indicates.