Health Highlights: Nov. 25, 2009

FDA Approvals

Qutenza Approved for Post-Shingles Nerve Pain
Active ingredient is found in chili peppers

Lysteda Approved for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Designed to help blood to clot

Another Swine Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
CSL's shot now for ages 6 months and older

Istodax Approved for Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
It's a disfiguring cancer affecting the skin

Arzerra Approved for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Affects some 16,000 people annually

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Approved for Children
Fluarix sanctioned for kids aged 3 to 17

FYI

Health Tip: Managing Herniated Disk Pain
Non-surgical treatment helps 90 percent of patients

Health Tip: Caring for Baby's Umbilical Cord
Recommendations may vary by doctor

Sleep Apnea May Cause Nighttime Urination Many doctors unaware the sleep disorder boosts urine production, experts say. >> complete story

Diabetes Cases Expected to Double in 25 Years Soaring rates to bring unprecedented medical, economic burdens, study predicts. >> complete story

Psychotherapy Can Boost Happiness More Than Money: Study
For well-being, a $1,300 round of treatment equals a $41,000 pay raise, researchers say

When Accusations Start to Fly, They Multiply
Witnessing someone get blamed for something leads to more self-defensive finger pointing, study finds

Seniors May Need Help Overcoming Holiday Blues
Experts offer tips to help lift spirits, recognize signs of depression

Bipolar Disorder May Be Tied to Body Clock
Study finds gene variation believed to affect circadian rhythm

Drunk Drivers May Respond to Brief Motivational Interview
Repeat offenders were more likely to consider change after 30-minute psychosocial intervention, study finds

More Foot Power, Less Car Pollution Best for Health
Walking and cycling plus low-emission vehicles may reduce future disease burden, researchers say

Watching the Nail-Biting Big Game Hurts So Good
Fans get a bigger thrill when on an emotional rollercoaster, study finds

Holiday Eating Without the Guilt -- or the Pounds
Two experts offer waistline-friendly ways to enjoy festive feasting

Pack Right for the Holidays to Avoid the ER
Luggage that's too big or too heavy can lead to strains or worse

Swine Flu Tied to Rise in Pneumonias Among Young
On more positive note, CDC sees few signs of trouble with the H1N1 vaccine

Type 1 Diabetes May Have a New Foe
Rituximab, already used to fight rheumatoid arthritis, could help newly diagnosed diabetics, study finds

Stenting May Equal Bypass for Diabetic Heart Patients
But study follow-up period was too short to draw definite conclusions, experts say

Your Skin Can Help Your Ears Listen
Study found puffs of air on flesh that mimicked parts of speech colored perception of sounds

Graduated Driver's Licensing Saves Lives: Study
Three-step process 'keeping teenagers alive and families intact'

Loving Relationships May Help Block Pain
Simply seeing a loved one's photo helps people endure distress, study finds

ER Visits for Elderly Rise During Thanksgiving
Experts say family members can panic, underestimate effects of normal aging

Long-Term Problems Linked to Testicular Cancer Chemo
Survivors often plagued by neurological symptoms, study finds

Clinical Trials Update: Nov. 25, 2009