December 30, 2008

• High Insulin May Boost Odds of Breast Cancer

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Women with high levels of insulin in their blood appear to be more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower insulin levels.

• Vitamins Fail to Prevent Cancer: Study

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- In another blow to the supposed cancer-fighting powers of vitamins C and E, new research suggests that supplement forms of the vitamins don't prevent the disease in women.

• Gene Mutation Tied to Inherited Fatal Lung Disease

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- A mutation in a gene previously found to help protect the lungs against toxins may also be linked to lung cancer and some inherited cases of a lethal lung disease affecting older adults, a new study says.

• America Losing the Fight With Type 2 Diabetes

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- The type 2 diabetes epidemic that continues to sweep across the United States has left an estimated 24 million Americans struggling with the disease, up more than 3 million people since 2005.

• Risk-Takers May Lack Ability to Limit Brain Chemical

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Just in time for New Year's Eve comes research suggesting that "thrill-seeking" behaviors may be hard-wired into the brain.

• Optimal Warfarin Dosing Improves Anticoagulation Control

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- While the anticoagulant warfarin can be highly effective in preventing strokes and treating venous thromboembolism, doctors have long struggled with finding the best way manage the drug therapy.

• Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 30, 2008

  (HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch :

• Health Highlights: Dec. 30, 2008

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

• Resolving to Break an Addictive Habit?

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- No matter the addiction -- drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, alcohol or more -- people who want to kick their habit in the new year might find help in a new Harvard University publication.

• Health Tip: Tempering Your Temper

  (HealthDay News) -- If you tend to lose your temper, you need look for ways to calm down and regain control. Stress and anger aren't good for your physical or emotional health.

• Health Tip: Travel Well, Eat Well

  (HealthDay News) -- Going on vacation doesn't mean that you have to blow your diet. You can still eat well while you're traveling.

• Rising Blood Sugar May Harm the Aging Brain

  TUESDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have unmasked what appears to be a major mechanism contributing to normal, age-related cognitive decline.