A Good Doctor's Visit Starts With a Little Homework

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Whether buying a toothbrush or a new car, it's become routine for shoppers to research before buying so they know all the options and can strike the best possible bargain.

Got a Question? Health-Care Advice Lines Have Answers

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- The nurses who staff a health-care call-in line never know what the next question might be.

Human Meds Are Pets' Biggest Poisoning Danger

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- When John D'Amato arrived home early from work one day, he found an empty bottle of ibuprofen on the living room floor -- and one very sick pet.

Health Tip: Does Your Child Have Pertussis?

(HealthDay News) -- Pertussis, commonly called "whooping cough," is a bacterial infection with symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold. In children, bouts of coughing often end with a "whoop" sound.

Health Tip: Signs that You May Have Celiac Disease

(HealthDay News) -- Celiac disease is a digestive condition that usually damages the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption.

Culture a Big Influence on Suicidal Behavior: Expert

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Culture influences suicidal behavior patterns for men and women and could play a role in prevention, an expert on the topic says.

Generics As Good As Costly Blood Pressure Meds, Study Finds

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Costly, brand-name blood pressure-lowering drugs are no better at preventing cardiovascular disease than older, generic diuretics, reveals long-term data from a large study.

Deep Brain Stimulation Studied for Alzheimer's

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 11 (HealthDay News) -- In an extremely small, early trial, deep brain stimulation appeared to improve memory slightly in several patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.

Length of Research Volunteer Consent Forms May Not Matter

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- The length and complexity of consent forms for people enrolling in clinical trials don't affect the ability of the participants to understand the key points of the study, researchers say.

Fewer Alcohol Ads in Kids' Magazines, Study Finds

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Young Americans' exposure to alcohol ads in magazines declined 48 percent between 2001 and 2008, according to a new study.

Tylenol Use Linked to Asthma, Other Allergies in Teens

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Teens from around the world who regularly take acetaminophen, best known as Tylenol, were more than twice as likely to have asthma as teens who never take the over-the-counter pain and fever reducer, new research finds.

Anger Focuses Attention on Rewards, Not Threats: Study

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Even though anger is a negative emotion, angry people tend to pay more attention to rewards than threats, a new study finds.

No Evidence Estrogen Causes Lung Cancer Post-Hysterectomy

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Taking estrogen doesn't increase the risk of developing or dying from lung cancer among postmenopausal women who've had a hysterectomy, a new study has found.

Experts Predict 'Normal' H1N1 Flu Season This Year

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Despite the current lull in H1N1 influenza activity, experts say it's likely that the Northern Hemisphere will see a new, but still mild, wave of the virus this flu season.

Clinical Trials Update: Aug. 13, 2010

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Health Highlights: Aug. 13, 2010

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

FDA Approves Emergency Contraceptive

FRIDAY, Aug. 13 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved the ella (ulipristal acetate) emergency contraceptive pill, which prevents pregnancy if taken within five days of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.