Genes Give Clues to Age-Linked Eye Trouble

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Variants in the gene that helps produce vital proteins in the eye have been linked to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major source of blindness, a new report says.

 ADHD Stimulant Meds Cut Young Girls' Drug Abuse Risk

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Stimulant treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) significantly cuts the odds that adolescent girls will smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, a new Massachusetts General Hospital study shows.

 Pneumonia Vaccine Lowers Chances of Heart Attack

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Being vaccinated against pneumonia halves the risk of having a heart attack two years later, a new Canadian study finds.

 Pediatricians Would Admit Error Only Half the Time

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Only about half of U.S. pediatricians surveyed in a new study said they'd disclose a medical error to the family of a child under their care.

 Kids' Flu Shot Largely Ineffective Over Past Few Years

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Over the past two flu seasons, vaccinating children five and younger did not reduce the number of child hospitalizations or doctor's visits linked to influenza, according to results of a new study.

 Occasional Forgetfulness Tied to Loss of Brain Volume

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Occasionally forget an appointment or a friend's name? Then you may have a loss of brain volume, a new study suggests.

 Bedroom Fan Cuts SIDS Risk by 72%

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Just keeping the air moving around a bedroom seems to dramatically reduce a baby's risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), new research suggests.

 Vending Machines Found in Most Middle Schools

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Three-quarters of middle schools have vending machines where snacks and sugared drinks are sold, a new study finds.

 Hospital Fixes Cut Opiate Errors in Kids

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Simple changes to hospital procedures can significantly reduce the side effects children suffer while on opiates to relieve pain, a new study reveals.

 New Test Detects Rare Leukemia More Quickly

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- A new technique may help doctors diagnose a rare form of leukemia in a matter of hours instead of weeks, researchers say.

 Teens May Be Missing Out on Needed Vaccines

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Although most people think of young children when they hear about childhood vaccinations, adolescents need certain booster shots as well as new immunizations.

 Clinical Trials Update: Oct. 6, 2008

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of CenterWatch :

 Health Highlights: Oct. 6, 2008

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

 Health Tip: Biking Safely

(HealthDay News) -- Proper supervision and wearing protective gear, especially a helmet, are critical to biking safely.

 For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries.

 Health Tip: Boost Your Energy

(HealthDay News) -- If you often feel out of breath or seem to tire easily, you probably should better pace yourself.

 Free Prescription Drug Samples Pose Risk to Kids

MONDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Free prescription drug samples distributed to pediatric patients may be unsafe, research suggests.