Absent Father Might Mean Earlier Puberty for Higher-Income Girls

FRIDAY, Sept. 17 (HealthDay News) -- Girls growing up in higher-income homes without a biological father are likely to reach puberty earlier than others, new research finds.

Health Tip: Frequently Feeling Thirsty?

(HealthDay News) -- It's important to drink plenty of water, but feeling thirsty all or most of the time can signal a medical problem.

Health Tip: Living With Multiple Sclerosis

(HealthDay News) -- Although multiple sclerosis lasts a lifetime, symptoms may come and go.

No Blood Pressure Benefit Seen With Pine-Bark Extract

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Pine-bark extract taken as a dietary supplement does not lower blood pressure or prevent other heart disease risk factors, new research shows.

Antibiotics for Viral Respiratory Infections in Hospital Decried

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Despite the fact that bacteria-fighting antibiotics are useless against viruses, hospital physicians are prescribing them with some frequency to patients with viral respiratory tract infections, new research indicates.

Lack of Sleep During Pregnancy Ups Risk of High Blood Pressure

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A good night's sleep when you're pregnant may help keep your blood pressure levels normal, new research suggests.

Most Suicidal Teens Seen in ER Receive Follow-up Care

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) --The majority of suicidal adolescents who seek care in a hospital emergency room (ER) go on to receive follow-up care by a mental health professional in the next 30 days, a new survey of parents and guardians indicates.

Hundreds of Genes May Influence Your Height

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Height is determined not by a single "short" or "tall" gene but by many genes working in concert, says an international team of scientists that has identified hundreds of height-influencing genes.

Kidney Disease Linked to Future Heart Disease, Stroke Risk

THURSDAY, Sept. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Patients battling chronic kidney disease face a higher risk for stroke and heart disease, new research reveals.

Kids With Allergies Shouldn't Skip Flu Shots, Experts Say

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- The flu vaccine is safe for children with food allergies, experts say, as long as precautions are taken.

U.S. Kids Filling Up on 'Empty Calories,' Study Finds

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Nutrition experts have examined the diets of typical U.S. children and they don't like what they see: Almost 40 percent of the kids' calorie consumption comes from solid fat and added sugars.

Moderate Alcohol Use Helps Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death: Study

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- In yet another study, a moderate intake of alcohol has been shown to be healthy for the heart.

New Clues to Treating Ovarian Cancer Relapse

THURSDAY, Sept. 30 (HealthDay News) -- New research finds that women with ovarian cancer relapse who start chemotherapy as soon as levels of a biomarker for the cancer rise don't live significantly longer than women who wait until symptoms begin to reappear.

Cancer Survivors May Be at Risk for Memory Problems

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Memory problems are common among people who have a history of cancer, new research reveals.

Doctors' Health, Well-Being Affect Patient Counseling

FRIDAY, Oct. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors who take care of themselves may be more likely to recommend healthy lifestyle habits to their patients than doctors who gobble down fast food a couple of times a week and rarely hit the gym, according to new research.

Health Highlights: Oct. 1, 2010

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

Clinical Trials Update: Oct. 1, 2010

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