When a Child With Autism Wanders, It's Crucial to Stay a Step Ahead

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- The Oertel family lives in a red-brick, two-story house tucked in a tree-lined, suburban Maryland cul-de-sac. There's no fence, just a small alarm company sign on the lawn that gives no clue to the system's real purpose.

Supreme Court Prepares to Tackle Affordable Care Act

THURSDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- The most ambitious government health-care initiative since the Medicare and Medicaid programs of the 1960s, and the legislative landmark of President Barack Obama's presidency, is about to face its biggest challenge.

Vacationing With a Wanderer Demands Planning

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Traveling with a child who is prone to "autism wandering" poses more than the usual challenges of taking a family vacation.

Health Tip: If You Can't Sleep

(HealthDay News) -- If you're not getting enough sleep or your sleep is poor, it's important to figure out what's causing the problem.

Health Tip: Managing Weight Gain

(HealthDay News) -- Having plenty of support from friends and family can help you meet your weight-loss goals.

Legal Experts See a Close Win for Health-Reform Law

THURSDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Supreme Court seems likely to uphold the sweeping health-reform legislation known as the Affordable Care Act when it takes up the case next week, according to a small survey of legal experts.

Medicaid Expansion Is a Key Part of Affordable Care Act

THURSDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- The Medicaid program is bracing for an expansion that will bring an estimated 16 million more Americans into the health-care safety net, as required by the Affordable Care Act.

Analysts Debate Importance of the 'Individual Mandate' to Health-Reform Law

THURSDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- When the U.S. Supreme Court hears challenges to the national health-reform law starting Monday, it will then have to decide if the federal government has the authority to insist that people buy health insurance.

Most Anal Lesions Don't Cause Cancer in Men, Research Shows

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and precancerous lesions are common among gay and bisexual men, but most of these cases will not progress to anal cancer, a new analysis of earlier research shows.

Coffee Doesn't Affect Psoriasis Risk After All, Researchers Say

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Although earlier studies had linked coffee to an increased risk for psoriasis, a large new study finds no such evidence.

Hormonal Changes May Trigger Migraines in Some Women

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Hormonal changes are a major reason women are far more likely than men to have migraine headaches, research suggests.

Living Alone Linked to Greater Risk of Depression: Study

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- People who live alone have a nearly 80 percent greater risk of depression than those who live with others, new research suggests.

Treating Gum Disease May Help Diabetics Avoid Complications

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Treating gum disease in people with diabetes reduces their medical costs and hospitalizations, new research shows.

Helpline, Free Nicotine Patches Don't Help Smokers Quit: Study

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Offering smokers free nicotine patches and telephone counseling does not improve their chances of quitting, according to a new study.

Caring Teachers May Help Keep Kids From Trying Alcohol, Drugs

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- The connections youth have with their teachers may help prevent kids from experimenting with alcohol and drugs at an early age, a new study suggests.

Study Might Explain Brain Overgrowth Seen in Autism

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers report that they have identified abnormalities in the DNA and RNA of cells in the prefrontal cortex of the brains of autistic children.

ADHD Diagnosis Rates Rose Sharply in Past Decade

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- In the past decade, the number of children receiving a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has risen by 66 percent, new research indicates.

Talking About Weight Tied to Poor Self-Image, Depression: Study

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- People who often make comments about their weight are more likely to have a poor body image and to suffer depression, according to a new study.

Obese Women at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Overweight and obese breast cancer patients are at increased risk for recurrence of the disease, a new study finds.

Patient Sexual History Key to Good Ob-Gyn Care

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- Many U.S. obstetrician-gynecologists fail to ask patients enough questions about their sex lives, which means they could lack information that provides insight into their patients' overall health, according to a new study.

Health Highlights: March 23, 2012

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

New Device Approved for Lingering GERD

FRIDAY, March 23 (HealthDay News) -- The LINX Reflux Management System has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who continue to have chronic symptoms, despite taking maximum medication and making recommended lifestyle changes.