Using Kitchen Spoons Ups Risk of Dosing Errors

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that you should steer clear of using ordinary spoons when taking or giving liquid medicines, because the practice raises the risk of potentially dangerous dosing mistakes.

Quitting Smoking Can Raise Diabetes Risk

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Smokers who give up the habit have an increased risk of developing diabetes over the next few years, a new study finds.

Poverty, Poor Education Shave Years Off the Life Span

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Smoking and obesity are known to lead to a host of life-threatening conditions from cardiovascular disease to cancer, but poverty may be even worse for your health, new research suggests.

Most Depressed Adults Going Without Treatment

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Most depressed adults in the United States don't get the minimum recommended treatment, and the vacuum is especially dramatic among minority populations.

Markers Predict Kids' Risk of Diabetes as Adults

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- New research suggests that body measurements and laboratory tests may predict the likelihood that a child will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

More Toddlers, Young Children Given Antipsychotics

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- The rate of children aged 2 to 5 who are given antipsychotic medications has doubled in recent years, a new study has found.

Without Chickenpox Shot, Kids' Risk Rises Ninefold

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Children whose parents refuse to have them vaccinated for chickenpox have a ninefold greater chance of contracting the disease than those who are vaccinated, a new study finds.

No Proof Yet That Special Diets Ease Autism

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- A panel of experts says evidence is lacking that placing autistic children on special diets might ease behavioral and other problems.

Experimental Drug May Help in Brain, Prostate Cancers

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- An experimental drug called imetelstat shows promise in treating glioblastoma brain cancer and prostate cancer, according to the results of preclinical studies in which the drug was tested on human prostate cancer cells and in rodents with glioblastoma.

Health Highlights: Jan. 4, 2010

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

Molecule Could Help Block Sexual Transmission of HIV

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers say they've discovered an agent that appears to make sexual transmission of HIV less likely.

Genes May Put Black Americans at Risk for Diabetes

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Inherited genetic variations could explain why blacks develop type 2 diabetes at a higher rate than whites, new research suggests.

For Better Health in New Year, Add Exercise to Your Day

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Want to feel more fit in 2010?

New Childhood Vaccines Schedules Released

MONDAY, Jan. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Boys should get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect them against genital warts, and all children should receive the H1N1 vaccine to guard against swine flu, according to updated guidelines on childhood and teen vaccines.

Health Tip: Getting a Nasal Vaccine for Flu

(HealthDay News) -- The influenza (flu) vaccine is available in two forms -- as an injection and in the form of a nasal spray.

Health Tip: Coping With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

(HealthDay News) -- Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by extreme fatigue that makes it difficult to complete life's daily tasks.