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May 22, 2013

Migraine, Chronic Back Pain Tied to Higher Suicide Risk

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- People who endure chronic migraines or back pain are more likely to attempt suicide, whether or not they also suffer from depression or another psychiatric condition, according to a new study.

Having Both Migraines, Depression May Mean Smaller Brain

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Migraines and depression can each cause a great deal of suffering, but new research indicates the combination of the two may be linked to something else entirely -- a smaller brain.

Simple Steps Can Protect Pets in Weather Disasters

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.

Underactive Thyroid and Heart Failure a Bad Combination: Study

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- People with heart failure are more likely to experience poorer health from having a thyroid gland that is even mildly underactive, according to a new study.

Scientists Map the Fungi on Your Feet

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Anyone who has ever wrestled with athlete's foot knows there is something about feet that fungi seem to like. But scientists now have the first detailed "map" of the fungal groups that live on your skin -- and, yes, your feet are the hottest neighborhood.

American Cancer Society Celebrates 100 Years of Progress

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.

Fish Oil Pills Might Cut Diabetes Risk, Researchers Say

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Fish oil supplements could help reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes, new research suggests.

Abused Children at Risk for Obesity as Adults: Study

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Children who are physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected are at greater risk for obesity later in life, a new review suggests.

Cost of Treating Strokes in U.S. Could Soar to $180B Annually by 2030: Report

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Over the next two decades, the cost of treating strokes in the United States is expected to more than double, topping more than $180 billion a year, according to new research.

Health Highlights: May 22, 2013

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

More Kids Getting Donor Organs, But Gaps Persist, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.

Children Who Have CT Scans May Face Higher Cancer Risk

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Children and teens exposed to radiation during CT scans are 24 percent more likely to develop cancer, according to a large, long-term study.

COPD May Be Over-Diagnosed Among Uninsured

WEDNESDAY, May 22 (HealthDay News) -- Roughly four in 10 uninsured patients who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) actually do not have the lung disease, a small new study suggests.

Health Tip: Protect Your Sight

(HealthDay News) -- Protecting your vision must be a "priority just like eating healthy and physical activity," urges the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health Tip: Make Healthy Foods Taste Better

(HealthDay News) -- The better foods taste, the more likely you are to eat them.