Health Tip: Call Your Doctor Before You Take Antacids...

(HealthDay News) -- Antacids are medications that counteract acids in the stomach, to help ease heartburn discomfort.

Health Tip: Do You Have Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?

(HealthDay News) -- Although the exact cause of colon cancer isn't understood, scientists have figured out certain factors that increase a person's risk of developing the disease.

Problem Drinking May Make Hospital Infections More Deadly

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Hospital patients with alcohol use disorders who develop health care-associated infections are more likely to die from the infections, have longer hospital stays and higher hospital costs than those without alcohol disorders, a new study finds.

A Good Diet Includes Many Cancer-Fighting Foods: Expert

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Losing weight can help reduce your risk of cancer if you're overweight or obese, but not all diet plans are effective in lowering that risk, an expert says.

Why Someone Else's Gaffe Makes You Cringe

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- A new study helps explain why people feel embarrassed when they observe other people's flaws and social transgressions, whether in real life, on television or on the Internet.

Early School Start Tied to More Teen Crashes: Study

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Teens who start school earlier in the morning are at increased risk for traffic crashes, a new study finds.

Whales Not Just Singing the Same Old Song, Researchers Say

THURSDAY, April 14 (HealthDay News) -- Male humpback whales have their own version of the hit parade, researchers say.

Alcohol-Energy Drink Combo Riskier Than Booze Alone, Study Says

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Combining the caffeine jolt of energy drinks with the intoxicating effects of alcohol is riskier than drinking alcohol alone, a new study suggests.

Latest Artificial Pancreas Trials Reduce Risk of Low Blood Sugar

THURSDAY, April 14 (HealthDay News) -- In the latest research to test the concept of an artificial pancreas for the management of type 1 diabetes, British researchers report that they were able to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of dangerous low blood sugars overnight.

Scientists Spot Key Gene Mutations in Melanoma

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. scientists who completed the world's first "whole-exome sequencing" of melanoma say their accomplishment will improve the ability to diagnose and treat the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Estrogen's Role in Breast Cancer Can Fluctuate

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Is estrogen breast cancer's friend or foe?

New Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections Called Promising

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Many women suffer from chronic urinary tract infections, but now a new treatment using a probiotic may provide lasting relief for some, a preliminary trial indicates.

Health Highlights: April 15, 2011

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

Blood Test May Help Predict Spread of Melanoma

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- It's possible that a blood test could be used to predict the risk of cancer spreading, or metastasizing, in people who have melanoma skin cancer, a new study suggests.

Drug-Resistant Staph Bacteria Found in Meat, Poultry Nationwide

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- Meat and poultry sold in the United States is widely contaminated with drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can cause serious illnesses in humans, a new study contends.

Having Both Autism and Epilepsy Linked to Raised Death Rates

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- People with both autism and epilepsy have a much higher death rate than those with autism alone, a new study finds.

Inability to Spot Lies, Sarcasm May Warn of Dementia

FRIDAY, April 15 (HealthDay News) -- People who no longer recognize sarcasm or lies may be showing early signs of dementia, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco report.