Many kids still exposed to secondhand smoke in cars

February 5, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new government study reports that while fewer kids and teens are getting exposed to secondhand smoke while riding in the car, rates of exposure are still high enough to warrant concern.

Traffic-related asthma costs two cities big money

February 3, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Traffic pollution may cost two California cities millions each year in managing children's asthma, a new study suggests.

Breastfeeding tied to stronger lungs, less asthma

February 2, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Kids who were breastfed as babies may have better lung function, and a lower risk of asthma, than those who were formula-fed, two new reports suggest.

Spike in deaths blamed on 2003 NYC power outage

January 26, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The biggest electricity blackout to occur in the United States resulted in 90 additional deaths in New York City, caused both by accidents and disease-related problems, according to a new analysis of data from the summer of 2003.

Positive psychology has limited health benefits

January 23, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A psychology technique that encourages patients to think positively and gain confidence helped some with high blood pressure and heart disease stick to medication and exercise goals, according to new research.

Rip Roarin' Crab Soup recalled over allergy worries

January 12, 2012 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Blount Fine Foods is recalling some of its Rip Roarin' Crab Soup sold in 16-ounce cups because it contains undeclared milk, wheat and crab, the company said.

Pool chlorine tied to lung damage in elite swimmers

January 11, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Competitive swimmers who train at indoor chlorinated swimming pools may have lung changes similar to those seen in people with mild asthma, a new study has found.

REFILE: Pot smokers don't puff away lung health: study

January 11, 2012 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A few hits on the bong now and then don't seem to have any detrimental effects on lung health, suggests a new study.

Parents show modest gains after smoking programs

December 28, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - About one out of every four parents with small children responds to interventions to help them quit smoking, which is slightly better than the one in five parents who would quit without any special help, according to a new study.

Getting a cat ups allergy risk in adults

December 27, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - While having a cat as a kid may protect against future allergies, getting one in adulthood nearly doubles the chances of developing an immune reaction to it -- the first step toward wheezing, sneezing and itchy eyes.

Holiday recalls hit snack makers, alfalfa producer

December 26, 2011 —

Ulcer bacteria may protect against diarrhea

December 26, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - People who harbor ulcer-causing bacteria in their stomachs may be protected against some diarrheal diseases, suggests a new study.

Sirocco Enterprises recalls cocktail mix on allergy fears

December 23, 2011 —

US rolls out tough rules on coal plant pollution

December 21, 2011 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Obama administration on Wednesday unveiled the first-ever standards to slash mercury emissions from coal-fired plants, a move aimed at protecting public health that critics say will kill jobs as plants shut down.

Decision sharing tied to lower cost for kids' care

December 21, 2011 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Parents who report having an increased involvement in making decisions about their children's medical treatment are more likely to see lower risks of their kids going to the emergency room or being hospitalized, according to a new study.