WSFA - HEALTH

Drug maker recalls meds in 13 states

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:25:00 EDT

The Alabama Department of Public Health is working with other health agencies to investigate an injectable anti-inflammatory drug prepared by a compounding manufacturer in Tennessee.

Doctors save baby with 3D-printed breathing device

Ray Downs — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

A baby who was born with a serious medical condition is able to breathe on his own after doctors created a new device with the aid of a 3D printer.

Do You Believe? Holy image appears behind child battling leukemia

Fri, 24 May 2013 13:33:00 EDT

Believer or not, the image behind Erin Potter, a Kirtland girl battling leukemia, is stunning.

Officials: Ala. 'mystery illness' situation solved

Mark Wilder — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:10:00 EDT

After several days of worries that Alabama could be dealing with the outbreak of a potentially new illness, the Alabama Department of Public Health is confident they've solved the mystery.

AU research creates test to battle MRSA bacteria faster

Annie Hubbell — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:36:00 EDT

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can be difficult to detect, and survival depends on a quick diagnosis and treatment.

However, an Auburn University research team has created a test using a biosensor that will help doctors go from hours to minutes in identifying super bacteria like MRSA, a type of staph bacteria that can cause deadly skin infections.

Nearly all US states see hefty drop in teen births

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:18:00 EDT

The nation's record-low teen birth rate stems from robust declines in nearly every state, but most dramatically in several Mountain States and among Hispanics, according to a new government report.

Special Report: Safety of 3D & 4D elective ultrasounds investigated

Stephanie Lum — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:02:00 EDT

It's like a photo shoot, only this one's happening inside the womb. "Oh, he's moving plenty for you today! Awe, look at those chubby cheeks!" said Ultrasound Technician Juliet Agustin. With lightning

Hobby Lobby birth control case in court

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:33:00 EDT

Arts-and-crafts retail chain Hobby Lobby gets its day in court Thursday over mandated birth control coverage for employees.

Parents who chose prayer over hospital for sick son charged for murder

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:29:00 EDT

A Philadelphia couple who turned to prayer to heal their baby boy is now facing a murder charge.

Legislature passes bill providing additional protection to the elderly

WSFA 12 News Staff — Tue, 21 May 2013 18:32:00 EDT

State laws protecting the elderly have been strengthened with the passage of the Protecting Alabama's Elders Act. The bill increases the legal protections from financial exploitation and physical or emotional abuse for anyone over the age of 60.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Bobby Shuttleworth — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:08:00 EDT

This is the time of year sun lovers are gearing up for summer. While the sun's rays are inviting, there is a hidden danger.

Animal Planet unveils 'Roach Cam'

Marshall Stephens — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:49:00 EDT

You've seen the Eagle Cam, the Falcon Cam and the Owl Cam. But what about the Roach Cam?

What you need to know about the BRCA1 & how it can lead to breast cancer

Courtney Smith — Fri, 17 May 2013 03:11:00 EDT

Angelina Jolie's stunning announcement that she had a preventive double mastectomy has raised both awareness and questions about the gene that led to her decision called BRCA1.

Can a 7 minute workout be most effective for summer body?

Jade Hindmon — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:48:00 EDT

According to a study in The American College of Sports Medicine Health and Fitness Journal, seven minutes of a particular high intensity workout is all it takes to transform your body.

Angelina Jolie announces she had double mastectomy to prevent breast cancer

RNN Staff — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:06:00 EDT

Actress Angelina Jolie announced that she had a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of getting breast cancer.

College student can't eat food, but teaches nutrition

Tiani Jones — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:31:00 EDT

She's had a total of 51 surgeries since birth. On the outside, the evidence of her medical struggles is a backpack she wears all the time.

12 News Defenders: Traumatic Brain Injuries

Mark Bullock — Wed, 1 May 2013 23:56:00 EDT

It's a scary prospect - that a seemingly minor injury from your past could cause serious psychological problems in your future. The 12 News Defenders look at the dangers of traumatic brain injuries.

Could eating boogers benefit your health?

Shaley Sanders — Wed, 1 May 2013 10:30:00 EDT

It is a dirty habit that, at some time or another, every kid does. Children pick their nose and then that finger goes in the mouth.

'Cinnamon Challenge' can cause lung damage

Syrenthia Harris — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:56:00 EDT

Swallowing a spoonful of ground cinnamon in 60 seconds without drinking water has been proven to harm the lungs, especially for someone who has asthma.

Hyperbaric chamber used for more than 'the bends'

Bobby Shuttleworth — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:46:00 EDT

The hyperbaric chamber is used for a multitude of different ailments.

How to speak to your kids about the Boston Marathon bombing

Suzanne Bratton — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:49:00 EDT

Bombs, explosion and destruction are things you don't normally have to speak with your kids about at a young age. But amidst the devastation and chaos caused by the Boston Marathon bombing, it may be hard to avoid.

FL lawmakers pushing to protect baby born during botched abortion

Rachel Leigh — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:47:00 EDT

Born alive during an abortion. It is an unlikely event, but one Florida lawmaker wants to make sure a baby is protected if that happens.

Survey: Daydreaming while driving more dangerous than texting

Kimberly Schupp-Miller — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EDT

We always hear about the dangers of texting and driving but a recent survey done by an insurance group suggests one distraction can be even more deadly — daydreaming.

Community reacts to new women's health law

Annie Hubbell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 22:05:00 EDT

Governor Robert Bentley signed the Women's Health and Safety Act on Tuesday, a measure said to improve and strengthen the standards of care at women's clinics in Alabama.

The signing of the Woman's Health and Safety Act has the both sides of the abortion debate mobilized.

Dandyland Child Care Center under investigation

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:20:00 EDT

Tuesday afternoon, we confirmed a total of four police reports have been filed alleging harassment at the Dandyland Day Care Center. Allegations children were hit with rulers and wet towels continue to

3 Indian students invent anti-rape underwear

Kimberly Schupp-Miller — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 12:48:00 EDT

Three engineering students at SRM University in Chennai have invented a set of electrified underwear to help prevent rape.

Six instant ways to stress less and smile more

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EDT

You can't completely eliminate stress from your life, but you can learn to deal with it in a healthy way.

What's giving away your age?

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EDT

Find out what could be giving away the number of candles on your birthday cake -- and what you can do to stop them.

Judge rules morning-after pill available to all ages without prescription

RNN Staff — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 11:35:00 EDT

A federal judge has ruled the morning-after pill must be available over the counter for all ages without a prescription.

Balloon sinus dilation can give patients instant relief

Bobby Shuttleworth — Mon, 1 Apr 2013 16:13:00 EDT

New sinus procedure means less pain and down time, plus big time relief for the patient.

Four ways to fake great legs

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EDT

After a long winter, you're definitively ready to toss aside boots and leggings for sandals and short skirts. The question is: Are your legs prepared?

March Madness: Basketball, brackets and vasectomies?

Kimberly Schupp-Miller — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:24:00 EDT

March Madness isn't just a time for basketball at its best. You may not imagine how far some men will go to be able to take off work and watch the games. Some are calling it "VasMadness."

The Google Effect: Is memory gone?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:42:00 EDT

Do you see yourself using the Internet to look up things you swear you already know? You're not alone. A recent study suggests Americans don't take the time to remember things like they used to, and it could be changing our brains.

When to take baby for first dental visit

Bobby Shuttleworth — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:37:00 EDT

Easy lessons for parents when taking their baby to the dentist, so trips will be checkups rather than problem solving visits.

How to eat to lose weight

Sat, 2 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST

Although 93 percent of adults agree that a morning meal is an important part of a healthy diet, more than half of us don't practice what we preach.

Alligator blood tested as new antibiotic

Britney Glaser — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:44:00 EST

In our area bayous, MSU researchers have discovered a potential medicinal breakthrough from alligators. KPLC's Britney Glaser explains how alligator blood is showing to be a potent antibiotic.

Special Report: Danger in the Driver's Seat

Valorie Lawson — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:33:00 EDT

Seizures, blackouts or maybe even a heart attack, you probably know someone who suffers from one of these conditions. But did you know that everyday many of them are getting behind the wheel and taking a chance on an attack happening while they're driving?

U.S. teen birth rate plummets

Thu, 23 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.

Americans still making unhealthy choices

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:42:00 EDT

The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.

Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study.

Genes may boost woman's risk of postpartum depression

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.

Managing seasonal allergies

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:35:00 EDT

Although spring arrived late this year in parts of the United States, the summer allergy season will still be strong, according to a sinus expert at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Cellphone use may reveal your dominant brain

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:03:00 EDT

New research suggests the dominant side of your brain may make the call on which ear you choose to use while talking on your cellphone.

Angelina Jolie will have ovaries removed to lower chances of cancer

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:05:00 EDT

Film star Angelina Jolie will have her ovaries removed to help lower her odds for ovarian cancer, People magazine reported Wednesday.

Gene variations may explain weight gain among men, women

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Weight gain in men and women is predicted by two different genetic variations -- so-called polymorphisms, according to a new study from the Netherlands.

Rich 'cougar,' 'sugar daddy' stereotypes might not mirror reality

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:33:00 EDT

The notion of wealthy "sugar daddies" with young, pretty wives and well-heeled "cougar" women with handsome, young husbands may be more fiction than fact, new research suggests.

Nearly half of high schoolers text while driving

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:03:00 EDT

Close to half of U.S high school students text while driving, a habit that dramatically increases their risk of getting into a potentially fatal car crash, a new study shows.

Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:18:00 EDT

In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.

Racial disparities seen in U.S. lung cancer treatment

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study.

Study links coffee to lower risk for rare liver disease

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

Just a few extra cups of coffee each month might help prevent the development of an autoimmune liver disease known as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a new study suggests.

'Nonsmoking' hotel rooms may not fully protect guests

Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EDT

People who opt for nonsmoking rooms in hotels with a partial smoking ban are not fully protected from harmful exposure to so-called "thirdhand" smoke, according to a new study.

Public funding spurs couples to seek fertility treatment

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:00:00 EDT

Public funding of assisted reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, broadens the range of couples who seek treatment for infertility by attracting a more diverse population.

FDA: Lower Ambien's dose to prevent drowsy driving

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:29:00 EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday that it is asking manufacturers of sleep medications containing zolpidem -- including Ambien -- to lower the recommended doses.

Erectile dysfunction tied to long-term narcotic use in men

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:01:00 EDT

If you're a man, the pain-killing medications known as opioids may do more than relieve pain -- they may also put a damper on your sex life.