WRAL.com Health Team

Duke study: Antibodies in breast milk can help neutralize HIV

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:31:38 -0400

Breast milk contains antibodies that can help neutralize the HIV virus that causes AIDS, researchers at Duke University Medical Center said Wednesday.

Policy advocate: Obesity epidemic 'weighing' down NC economy

Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:15 -0400

Obesity raises the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer, and impacts the cost of health care for everyone. According to health policy advocates, North Carolina is in an especially bad position because of an increasing number of overweight citizens.

The Fonz promotes Botox treatment for upper limb spasticity

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:15:45 -0400

Henry Winkler, known for his television role as Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli, made it a happy day for many people in the Triangle Tuesday who suffer from upper limb spasticity.

New procedure helping asthma patients breathe easier

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:56 -0400

Most people take breathing for granted, but for people with asthma, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath are all scary symptoms that can result in trips to the hospital.

Parenting support groups help prevent abuse

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:20:50 -0400

In North Carolina alone, about 126,000 cases of child neglect or abuse are reported to departments of Social Services each year. For many single parents who deal with extra stress when taking care of children alone, support groups are one way to help kids stay safe.

Advances in shock therapy helping patients with depression

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:25:48 -0400

Thanks to its portrayal on the big screen, shock therapy is often associated with two things: lightning and fear.

Clock ticking with new plan to fight Alzheimer's

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:57:24 -0400

The Obama administration declared Alzheimer's one of the country's biggest health challenges on Tuesday, adopting a national strategy that sets the clock ticking toward better treatments by 2025 — along with help for suffering families today.

Many Cesarean section surgeries may be unnecessary

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:26:29 -0400

A c-section is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States, and the surgery now accounts for nearly one in three births. However, Consumer Reports says that in many cases a c-section is unnecessary.

FDA panel backs first pill to block HIV infection

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:06:52 -0400

The first drug shown to prevent HIV infection won the endorsement of a panel of federal advisers Thursday, clearing the way for a landmark approval in the 30-year fight against the virus that causes AIDS.

Music-based curriculum helps children with disabilities learn

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:28:04 -0400

Many children with communication disorders like Autism can struggle communicating and socializing with others, but a new program in four North Carolina school districts is helping change that.