Drugs to Make You Look Beautiful -- But at What Price?

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Skimpy eyelashes, balding pates and wrinkles aren't diseases, but they may as well be in a society that "medicalizes" normal conditions by producing drugs not to cure or heal, but to enhance, some health experts contend.

Online Forums Can Help Women Cope With Pregnancy Loss

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Online forums help women who have had a miscarriage or stillbirth cope with their feelings of loss and isolation, according to a new study.

Health Tip: Help Prevent Breast Cancer

(HealthDay News) -- There's no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But the womenshealth.gov website says there are things you can do that may help lower your risk.

Health Tip: Signs of a Spinal Fracture

(HealthDay News) -- A spinal fracture occurs when a small bone in the spine cracks, often a result of soft, brittle bones caused by osteoporosis.

Mentoring Works Best When Adults, Kids Share Common Interests

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Although mentoring programs intended to help children socially, emotionally or academically do offer a number of benefits, these advantages are generally limited and may not be enough for kids facing serious problems, a new report says.

Timing May Be Key to Successful Back Surgery

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Delaying treatment for a herniated disc beyond six months may reduce your chances of recovery, new research finds.

Fast-Food Outlets Nearby Might Not Cause Weight Gain

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Most people who live near fast-food restaurants aren't at increased risk for weight gain, but women may put on a few extra pounds, according to a new study.

Buyer, Beware of Over-the-Counter Thyroid Supplements: Study

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Over-the-counter "thyroid support" supplements commonly used for weight loss and to fight fatigue are mostly ineffective and may pose a health threat, a new study warns.

Drowsy Driving 'Unacceptable,' But One-Third Do It: Poll

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Nearly one-third (32 percent) of American drivers admitted to drowsy driving in the past month, even though 96 percent of the respondents said drowsy driving is an unacceptable behavior, according to a new survey.

Earthquakes Put Millions of Lives, Major Cities at Risk

THURSDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- When an earthquake hits, up to 8 percent of a city's population can suffer fatal injuries, a new report suggests.

Tips to Manage This Weekend's Time Change

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- When the clocks go back an hour this weekend, some people may have trouble adjusting to the time change.

Change in Hepatitis Screening May Save Lives, Money

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Primary care-based screening for hepatitis C in people born between 1945 and 1965 is cost-effective and lifesaving, a new study says.

Vitamin D Lacking in Many Spine Surgery Patients

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- Low vitamin D levels are common among spine surgery patients and may delay their recovery, a new study says.

Weighing Weight-Loss Programs

THURSDAY, Nov. 3 (HealthDay News) -- A new British study finds that commercial weight-loss programs are more effective and less costly than primary care-based programs led by specially trained staff.

Common Breast Cancer Gene Test May Be Flawed, Study Says

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- A widely used breast cancer test may not be accurate in identifying a gene that is critical in determining which life-saving treatment a woman should get.

Possible Genetic Link to Autism Identified

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- A gene variation associated with an increased risk of autism in boys has been identified by scientists.

Health Highlights: Nov. 4, 2011

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

Newer Not Necessarily Better for Football Helmet Design

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- "Leatherhead" football helmets from the early 1900s can be as protective as modern helmets, a new study reports, but no one is suggesting a return to the vintage headgear.

Xarelto Approved to Prevent Stroke in People With Abnormal Heartbeat

FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- The anti-clotting drug Xarelto (rivaroxaban) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation, a common form of irregular heartbeat.