Forget Flu Shot Myths, Protect Yourself This Season

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- It's the time of year when you should be thinking about flu vaccinations for yourself and your family.

COPD Deaths Highest in Rural, Poor Areas: CDC

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more common in rural or poor areas, according to new research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Short Bursts of Intense Exercise Can Fight Weight Gain: Study

THURSDAY, Oct. 25(HealthDay News) -- Is lack of time your excuse for not exercising? New research finds that just a few minutes of intense activity interspersed between less intense stretches of exercise will burn excess calories all day long.

Symptoms of Ankle Fracture

(HealthDay News) -- An ankle injury may be difficult to diagnose as a sprain or fracture, but any obvious ankle injury should be evaluated by a doctor.

Health Tip: What's Behind a Sore Throat?

(HealthDay News) -- A sore throat is among the most common medical maladies. But it shouldn't be ignored, since a sore throat could represent a harmless problem or a serious illness such as strep throat.

Too Much Dairy, Carbs Might Harm Men's Sperm

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Diet can have a notable impact on reproductive health, a group of new studies suggests.

Stroke Risk Rises in Seniors With COPD: Study

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Older people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at greater risk for plaque formation in the carotid artery, the large artery in the neck that carries blood to the brain, according to a new study.

Is 'Sex Addiction' Real? Some Experts Say So

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- In recent years, media reports of celebrities -- usually men -- citing "sex addiction" as the reason they've been unfaithful have made headlines.

Daily Aspirin May Bolster Aging Brain, Study Shows

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- The same low-dose baby aspirin millions take to stave off heart attacks and strokes may also help put the brakes on age-related mental decline, a new study suggests.

Health Highlights: Oct. 26, 2012

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

Hurricane Sandy Has East Coast in Its Crosshairs

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Hurricane Sandy continues to bear down on the East Coast of the United States, with the latest forecasts predicting a direct hit to mid-Atlantic or northeastern states early next week.

Swallowing Nasal Sprays, Eye Drops Can Harm Kids, FDA Warns

FRIDAY, Oct. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Over-the-counter eye drops or nasal decongestant sprays can pose a serious health threat to children who swallow them and should be kept out of the reach of kids at all times, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.