Home Is Where the Hearth Is

(HealthDay News) -- Keeping your fireplace clean and running efficiently can help reduce the risk of a house fire.

Health Tip: Talkin' Turkey

(HealthDay News) -- When it's time to thaw your big bird for Thanksgiving, make sure you do it properly to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Airport Security X-Rays May Damage Diabetes Devices

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Full body X-ray scanners and luggage X-rays may damage some insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, both used by many people with diabetes to manage their conditions.

Scans Spot Brain Changes in Patients With Concussion Syndrome

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers who identified brain changes in people with post-concussion syndrome say their findings may lead to improved detection and treatment of the disorder.

Teen Smoking Has Fallen Across Most of U.S.: Report

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- A significant decline in cigarette smoking took place among U.S. kids aged 12 to 17 between 2002 and 2010 in 41 states, according to a new federal government report.

Weak Muscles in Teen Years Linked to Early Death in Men

TUESDAY, Nov. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Men who had low muscle strength during their teen years are at increased risk for early death from several major causes, a new study contends.

Routine Checkups Don't Cut Cancer, Heart Deaths: Study

TUESDAY, Nov. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Routine checkups don't help reduce a patient's risk of dying from either heart disease or cancer, new Danish research suggests.

Crash Stats Paint a Grim Holiday Picture for Some

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Speeding, alcohol and weather are among the factors that increase the risk of fatal traffic crashes around Thanksgiving, according to a new study.

Health Highlights: Nov. 21, 2012

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

Annual 'Trouble in Toyland' Report Cites Toy Dangers

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Toy cars with parts so small a child could choke on them, a plastic "robot" with excessive lead levels, and a play car horn that's so loud it could damage a child's hearing are just some of the dangerous playthings on this year's "Trouble in Toyland" report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).

Just-Approved Flu Vaccine Uses Newer Production Method

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Flucelvax is the first seasonal flu vaccine to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration using a manufacturing method called cell culture technology, the agency said.

OB/GYNs Endorse Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pills

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Birth control pills are safe and should be sold over-the-counter without the need for a doctor's exam or prescription, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended Tuesday.