Calcium Supplements May Be Bad for Your Heart: Study

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Many older Americans take calcium supplements to prevent bone loss, but they may be significantly increasing their risk for a heart attack, a new study suggests.

 Aspirin May Prevent Recurrence of Deep Vein Blood Clots

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- After suffering a type of blood clot called a venous thromboembolism, patients usually take a blood-thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin). But aspirin may do just as well after a period of time, according to a new Italian study.

 IUDs, Implants Best for Long-Term Birth Control: Study

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that long-term birth control options, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and under-the-skin implants, are 20 times more effective for preventing pregnancy than short-term contraceptives, such as birth control pills, patches and rings.

 Study Spots Early Warning Signal for Sudden Cardiac Death

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of sudden cardiac death is higher in men whose electrical impulses travel more slowly through the lower chambers of the heart, a new study indicates.

 Cell Transplant Tested as Treatment for Nerve Pain in Mice

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- A new study in mice suggests that scientists may someday be able to treat nerve pain by transplanting embryonic nerve cells to restore a broken nervous system.

 Overweight Moms More Apt to Have Large Babies, Study Says

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Being overweight or obese before and during pregnancy is the most reliable predictor of a woman's risk of giving birth to a large baby, which can increase the chances of cesarean section and other complications during delivery, a new study says.

 Patients May Receive Too Much Acetaminophen in Hospital

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Roughly 2.5 percent of admitted hospital patients may receive more than the safe daily cumulative dose of the pain-reliever acetaminophen, best known as Tylenol, on at least one day, according to a new U.S. study.

 Clot Buster Seems to Help Up to 6 Hours After Stroke

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- The largest study of its kind finds that stroke patients benefit from a clot-busting drug even six hours after a stroke, suggesting that the current recommended 4.5-hour limit could be expanded.

 Breast MRI Best at Tracking Response to Chemo: Study

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Getting chemotherapy before breast cancer surgery can mean the difference between a mastectomy or a breast-conserving lumpectomy, experts say.

 Regional Systems to Treat Severe Heart Attack Increasing

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- The number of regional care systems able to quickly identify, transfer if necessary, and treat patients experiencing the most severe form of heart attack is increasing, new research finds.

 Mouse Study Sheds Light on How Diet May Affect Epilepsy

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- It's long been known that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can reduce epileptic seizures that resist drug therapy, and now researchers studying mice say they think they know why.

 Health Highlights: May 23, 2012

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

 Study Offers Ways to Decrease Use of Restraints at Nursing Homes

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives, according to a new German study.

 Scientists Turn Skin Cells Into Cardiac Cells to Help Failing Hearts

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.

 Cancer Docs Often Deal With Own Grief, Doubts When Patients Die

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Some cancer doctors may build up emotional walls -- distancing themselves from the patients they can't save -- to avoid grief, sadness and even despair, new research shows.

 Germs Lurk in Office Kitchens, Break Rooms

WEDNESDAY, May 23 (HealthDay News) -- Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a new study.

 Health Tip: Avoiding Gluten

(HealthDay News) -- People with celiac disease should avoid eating gluten, a protein found in most grains, especially wheat.

 Health Tip: What Triggers Your Migraines?

(HealthDay News) -- The exact cause of migraines isn't fully understood, but experts have identified certain "triggers" that seem to bring on these headaches in many people.