Health - ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

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Your Healthy Home
Your Healthy Home
Join us every Wednesday during ABC5 News Midday for this week's Your Healthy Home segment. Each week Bob Oliver of Bob Oliver Heating and Cooling will join us and discuss topics that help turn your homeMore >>
Join us every Wednesday during ABC5 News Midday for this week's Your Healthy Home segment. Each week Bob Oliver of Bob Oliver Heating and Cooling will join us and discuss topics that help enrich and improveMore >>
HealthNet
HealthNet
Turn to the local healthy experts always online with HealthNet.
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Women's HealthMore>>
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Angelina Jolie has preventative double mastectomy
Angelina Jolie has preventative double mastectomy
Hollywood film star Angelina Jolie announced Tuesday that she has undergone a double mastectomy because she carries a genetic mutation that greatly increases her risk of potentially fatal breast cancer.More >>
Hollywood film star Angelina Jolie announced Tuesday that she has undergone a double mastectomy because she carries a genetic mutation that greatly increases her risk of potentially fatal breast cancer.More >>
Too much texting, Facebook time may lower college women's grades
Too much texting, Facebook time may lower college women's grades
Media use is a serious distraction for college freshmen, with a new study finding young women devote up to 12 hours daily on pursuits such as texting, posting status updates and surfing the web.More >>
Media use is a serious distraction for college freshmen, with a new study finding young women devote up to 12 hours daily on pursuits such as texting, posting status updates and surfing the web.More >>
Human gene patent case goes to Supreme Court
Human gene patent case goes to Supreme Court
The question of whether human genes can be patented is at the center of a case to be heard Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.More >>
The question of whether human genes can be patented is at the center of a case to be heard Monday by the U.S. Supreme Court.More >>
Changes to psychiatry's 'bible' could widen definition of ADHD
Changes to psychiatry's 'bible' could widen definition of ADHD
Experts believe several changes in psychiatry's 'bible' will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD.More >>
Experts believe several changes in psychiatry's 'bible' will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD.More >>
Moderate drinking may not affect breast cancer survival
Moderate drinking may not affect breast cancer survival
Women who have survived breast cancer can drink alcohol in moderation, new research indicates.More >>
Women who have survived breast cancer can drink alcohol in moderation, new research indicates.More >>
Experimental vaccine shows promise for ovarian cancer
Experimental vaccine shows promise for ovarian cancer
A novel but preliminary new treatment for ovarian cancer has apparently produced complete remission for one patient with an advanced form of the disease, researchers are reporting.More >>
A novel but preliminary new treatment for ovarian cancer has apparently produced complete remission for one patient with an advanced form of the disease, researchers are reporting.More >>
For older women, missed mammograms tied to worse breast cancer outcomes
For older women, missed mammograms tied to worse breast cancer outcomes
Older women diagnosed with breast cancer years after their last mammogram, and those who never had a mammogram, have an increased risk of dying from their cancer, a new study suggests.More >>
Older women diagnosed with breast cancer years after their last mammogram, and those who never had a mammogram, have an increased risk of dying from their cancer, a new study suggests.More >>
Breast cancer death rates higher for black women
Breast cancer death rates higher for black women
Black breast cancer patients are more likely to die than white patients, regardless of the type of cancer, according to a new study.More >>
Black breast cancer patients are more likely to die than white patients, regardless of the type of cancer, according to a new study.More >>

Men's HealthMore>>
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>
Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Prostate cancer may be deadlier for the uninsured
Prostate cancer may be deadlier for the uninsured
Men who are uninsured or underinsured get advanced prostate cancer at nearly four times the national average and don't survive as long as other men with advanced disease, a new study says.More >>
Men who are uninsured or underinsured get advanced prostate cancer at nearly four times the national average and don't survive as long as other men with advanced disease, a new study says.More >>
Study links timing of hospital visit to prostate cancer survival odds
Study links timing of hospital visit to prostate cancer survival odds
Men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of their body are more likely to die after visiting an emergency department on the weekend rather than a weekday, a new study finds.More >>
Men with prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of their body are more likely to die after visiting an emergency department on the weekend rather than a weekday, a new study finds.More >>
Younger men biggest consumers of added sugars
Younger men biggest consumers of added sugars
Young U.S. adults are consuming more added sugars in their food and drinks than older -- and apparently wiser -- folks, according to a new government report.More >>
Young U.S. adults are consuming more added sugars in their food and drinks than older -- and apparently wiser -- folks, according to a new government report.More >>
Men who are obese while young can pay a price later
Men who are obese while young can pay a price later
Men who are obese in their early 20s have a significantly increased risk of dying or of having serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease by the time they reach age 55, a new long-term study indicates.More >>
Men who are obese in their early 20s have a significantly increased risk of dying or of having serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease by the time they reach age 55, a new long-term study indicates.More >>
Changes to psychiatry's 'bible' could widen definition of ADHD
Changes to psychiatry's 'bible' could widen definition of ADHD
Experts believe several changes in psychiatry's 'bible' will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD.More >>
Experts believe several changes in psychiatry's 'bible' will broaden both the definition and diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder -- ADHD.More >>
Balding men could face higher heart risks
Balding men could face higher heart risks
New research out of Japan shows a potential link between male baldness and an increased risk for coronary heart disease.More >>
New research out of Japan shows a potential link between male baldness and an increased risk for coronary heart disease.More >>
Low testosterone linked to later arthritis in study
Low testosterone linked to later arthritis in study
Men with low levels of the hormone testosterone may be at greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study.More >>
Men with low levels of the hormone testosterone may be at greater risk for rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study.More >>

Children's HealthMore>>
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
Even low levels of lead hamper kindergartners' reading skills
Even low levels of lead hamper kindergartners' reading skills
Even children with low levels of lead in their blood score lower on reading-readiness tests when they begin kindergarten, a new study found.More >>
Even children with low levels of lead in their blood score lower on reading-readiness tests when they begin kindergarten, a new study found.More >>
Nearly half of high schoolers text while driving
Nearly half of high schoolers text while driving
Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows.More >>
Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows.More >>
A little formula might help breast-feeding for some babies
A little formula might help breast-feeding for some babies
Giving small amounts of infant formula to newborns who experience significant weight loss can increase the length of time that they are breast-fed, according to a new study.More >>
Giving small amounts of infant formula to newborns who experience significant weight loss can increase the length of time that they are breast-fed, according to a new study.More >>
Many heart defects aren't inherited
Many heart defects aren't inherited
At least 10 percent of severe genetic heart defects are caused by new gene mutations that were not passed down from patients' parents, a new study finds.More >>
At least 10 percent of severe genetic heart defects are caused by new gene mutations that were not passed down from patients' parents, a new study finds.More >>
More time in gym class equals stronger kids
More time in gym class equals stronger kids
Spending more time in physical education classes helps students develop muscle strength and doesn't increase their risk of broken bones, a new study finds.More >>
Spending more time in physical education classes helps students develop muscle strength and doesn't increase their risk of broken bones, a new study finds.More >>
Violent video games may numb players to brutality
Violent video games may numb players to brutality
Teenage boys who play violent video games for hours on end may become desensitized to the brutality, a small new study finds.More >>
Teenage boys who play violent video games for hours on end may become desensitized to the brutality, a small new study finds.More >>
Pregnancy adds challenge for teens treated for drug abuse
Pregnancy adds challenge for teens treated for drug abuse
Half of pregnant teens in substance-abuse treatment programs used alcohol or drugs in the month before they entered treatment.More >>
Half of pregnant teens in substance-abuse treatment programs used alcohol or drugs in the month before they entered treatment. More >>
Gasoline poisonings in kids spike during summer
Gasoline poisonings in kids spike during summer
Chemicals found in gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid and some insecticides and cleaning supplies are among the top 10 causes of pediatric poisoning deaths in the United States.More >>
Chemicals found in gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid and some insecticides and cleaning supplies are among the top 10 causes of pediatric poisoning deaths in the United States.More >>

Seniors' HealthMore>>
Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.More >>
Many seniors suffer mental decline in silence
Many seniors suffer mental decline in silence
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.More >>
About 13 percent of Americans 60 and older say they have increasing problems with thinking and memory and that they suffer growing confusion, a new report released Thursday shows.More >>
Swimming pools may pose hazard for people with heart devices
Swimming pools may pose hazard for people with heart devices
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.More >>
With summer approaching, researchers caution that swimming pools may pose a risk to patients with irregular heartbeats who've received implantable defibrillators.More >>
Omega-3s no help against age-linked eye trouble
Omega-3s no help against age-linked eye trouble
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.More >>
Adding omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients to standard antioxidant vitamins doesn't give older people any added protection against a leading cause of blindness, a new study finds.More >>
Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age
Odds of dying in traffic accident increase with age
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.More >>
Elderly pedestrians face a much higher risk of being killed in a traffic accident than the young do, a new government report finds.More >>
Seriously stressed? Hair analysis tells all
Seriously stressed? Hair analysis tells all
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.More >>
Hair analysis can reveal if seniors have elevated stress hormone levels that may put them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke, a new study suggests.More >>
Complications from kidney stone surgery rising
Complications from kidney stone surgery rising
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.More >>
As more patients undergo a minimally invasive procedure to remove kidney stones, the rate of complications from the surgery is also rising, according to a new study.More >>
Researchers test implanted brain stimulator for Alzheimer's
Researchers test implanted brain stimulator for Alzheimer's
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.More >>
Researchers are testing whether applying electrical stimulation directly to the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease might improve thinking, focus and alertness.More >>
Too few Americans pass last days in hospice care
Too few Americans pass last days in hospice care
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.More >>
Many people are still dying in hospitals, despite the fact that there has been a decrease in the number of patients who spend their final days in a setting that most would rather avoid, a new government report shows.More >>
New method may help pinpoint woman's final menstrual period
New method may help pinpoint woman's final menstrual period
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.More >>
A new formula to predict a woman's final menstrual period could help menopausal women fight bone loss and reduce their heart disease risk, a new study reports.More >>

DietingDieting And Your Health NewsMore>>
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Fast food hasn't gotten much healthier
Fast food hasn't gotten much healthier
Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says.More >>
Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says.More >>
Younger men biggest consumers of added sugars
Younger men biggest consumers of added sugars
Young U.S. adults are consuming more added sugars in their food and drinks than older -- and apparently wiser -- folks, according to a new government report.More >>
Young U.S. adults are consuming more added sugars in their food and drinks than older -- and apparently wiser -- folks, according to a new government report.More >>
Doctors feel less connected to obese patients
Doctors feel less connected to obese patients
Obese people who think health care workers aren't as sympathetic to them as they should be may be right.More >>
Obese people who think health care workers aren't as sympathetic to them as they should be may be right.More >>
Most Americans oppose soda, candy taxes
Most Americans oppose soda, candy taxes
Most U.S. adults aren't sweet on the idea of soda and candy taxes, and many doubt the bigger price tags would trim the national waistline.More >>
Most U.S. adults aren't sweet on the idea of soda and candy taxes, and many doubt the bigger price tags would trim the national waistline.More >>
Tackling diet, exercise together produces best results
Tackling diet, exercise together produces best results
If you're trying to get healthy, tackling both diet and exercise is better than trying to improve one lifestyle habit at a time, new research suggests.More >>
If you're trying to get healthy, tackling both diet and exercise is better than trying to improve one lifestyle habit at a time, new research suggests.More >>
Laser liposuction may zap fat without skin sag
Laser liposuction may zap fat without skin sag
Laser-assisted liposuction might provide an option for people who want stubborn pockets of fat removed but fear they'll be left with loose skin.More >>
Laser-assisted liposuction might provide an option for people who want stubborn pockets of fat removed but fear they'll be left with loose skin.More >>
Study locates more obesity genes
Study locates more obesity genes
New gene locations linked to obesity have been pinpointed in a large study by an international team of researchers.More >>
New gene locations linked to obesity have been pinpointed in a large study by an international team of researchers.More >>
Cutting out mealtime distractions may help manage weight
Cutting out mealtime distractions may help manage weight
Too much multitasking could make you overeat, a new study suggests. So if you're finding it hard to reach or maintain your ideal weight, slowing down and savoring your meal might help.More >>
Too much multitasking could make you overeat, a new study suggests. So if you're finding it hard to reach or maintain your ideal weight, slowing down and savoring your meal might help.More >>
How healthy is your county?
How healthy is your county?
Rates of premature death in counties across the United States are the lowest in 20 years, but people in the least healthy counties are more than twice as likely to die early as those in the healthiest counties,...More >>
Rates of premature death in counties across the United States are the lowest in 20 years, but people in the least healthy counties are more than twice as likely to die early as those in the healthiest counties.More >>

HealthMore>>
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
Angelina Jolie will have ovaries removed to lower chances of cancer
Angelina Jolie will have ovaries removed to lower chances of cancer
Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.More >>
Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.More >>
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.More >>
Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality
Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality
The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >>
The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.More >>
Nearly half of high schoolers text while driving
Nearly half of high schoolers text while driving
Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows.More >>
Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows.More >>
Obesity crisis may be fueling big jump in sleep apnea cases
Obesity crisis may be fueling big jump in sleep apnea cases
The widening American waistline may be feeding an epidemic of sleep apnea, potentially robbing millions of people of a good night's rest, a new study suggests.More >>
The widening American waistline may be feeding an epidemic of sleep apnea, potentially robbing millions of people of a good night's rest, a new study suggests.More >>
Fast food hasn't gotten much healthier
Fast food hasn't gotten much healthier
Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says.More >>
Next time you have a craving for fast food, don't kid yourself that choices today are much healthier, a new study says.More >>
Money motivates weight loss -- one step at a time
Money motivates weight loss -- one step at a time
When a health insurer told obese people they could either pay 20 percent more for coverage or start exercising, most of them decided to get active, according to a new study.More >>
When a health insurer told obese people they could either pay 20 percent more for coverage or start exercising, most of them decided to get active, according to a new study.More >>
More kids diagnosed with mental health disabilities
More kids diagnosed with mental health disabilities
Significantly more U.S. children have a neurodevelopmental or mental health disability than did a decade ago, according to new research.More >>
Significantly more U.S. children have a neurodevelopmental or mental health disability than did a decade ago, according to new research.More >>
Many parents texting, phoning while driving their kids
Many parents texting, phoning while driving their kids
The vast majority of parents admit to being distracted in some way while driving their young child around, a new survey reveals.More >>
The vast majority of parents admit to being distracted in some way while driving their young child around, a new survey reveals.More >>

Latest Health NewsThe Latest from HealthDayMore>>
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.More >>
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.More >>
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
High-frequency noise boosts math skills in study
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
Scientists report that they were able to improve the math-calculation skills of college students by buzzing their brains with doses of random high-frequency noise.More >>
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
1 in 5 U.S. kids has a mental health disorder
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
As many as one in five American children under the age of 17 has a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year, according to a new federal report.More >>
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eyelash extension adhesives may cause bad reactions
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Eye experts warn that the adhesives used to apply eyelash extensions can cause allergies and infections.More >>
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
Look for new, improved sunscreen labels
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
New labeling laws for sunscreen will help American consumers choose the product that provides the best sun protection, experts say.More >>
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
Many public pools contaminated with human waste
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
There are few things more inviting than a cool, clear pool on a hot summer day. But a new federal report will have you thinking twice before dipping a toe in the water.More >>
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Most Americans say no to smoking in their homes, cars
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Drop by for a visit or share the drive -- but please, no smoking.More >>
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
Yoga may help ease high blood pressure
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.More >>
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Fitness in middle age may help shield men from cancer later
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>
Men who are physically fit in middle age have a lower risk of developing and dying from certain cancers, new research indicates.More >>