Teen Substance Use Seems to Differ by Race

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A new California survey suggests that Hispanic middle-school students are more likely to smoke, drink and use marijuana than other kids their age, while Asians are the least likely to experiment with these substances.

Sleep-Deprived Teens Eat More Fat, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Teens who sleep less than eight hours a night are more likely to eat a high-fat diet that puts them at risk for obesity and the many health problems connected with it, new research shows.

Clinical Trials Update: Sept. 1, 2010

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Elective Surgery Patients Often Report Poor Recovery

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Many patients experience more physical and emotional problems a year after elective surgery than they did before their operation, researchers find.

To Not Sleep, Perchance to Shorten Your Life

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Shortchanging yourself on sleep could shave years off your life if you're a man.

Lung Damage From Secondhand Smoke Observed in Rats

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Secondhand smoke appears to trigger a complex inflammatory response in the lungs, a study in rats reveals.

Immune System Research Sees Many Similarities Among People

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Human immune systems are much more alike than previously believed, a finding that may lead to new ways to detect, diagnose and treat cancer and autoimmune diseases, say U.S. researchers.

Diabetes Drug Metformin Linked to Lower Lung Cancer Rate in Mice

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A drug widely used to treat high blood sugar in type 2 diabetics may hold some promise in the prevention of tobacco-induced lung cancer, according to extremely preliminary findings in a mouse study.

Even After Leaving Abuser, Moms' Mental Health Declines

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Even after escaping a violent or controlling relationship, a mother's mental health may continue to decline, a new study finds.

Overactive Blood Platelets May Play Role in Lupus

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Overactive blood platelets could trigger inflammation in those with lupus, but the anti-clotting drug Plavix might ease the painful symptoms of this autoimmune disease, a new study suggests.

Case Study Reveals 'Percussionist Wrist' Injury

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Percussionists may be at risk for wrist overuse injuries, a case study suggests.

Lower Blood Pressure May Help Sicker Kidney Patients

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Aggressive treatment to lower high blood pressure may help preserve kidney function and prevent the need for dialysis in some black patients with chronic kidney disease.

Double-Dose Plavix Benefits Certain Patients, Study Finds

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- More isn't necessarily better when prescribing the two drugs commonly used to treat patients who are in danger of having a heart attack, Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin, a new study suggests.

Diet Pill Meridia Ups Heart Attack Risk: Study

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A new study is linking the popular weight loss drug Meridia to an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and stroke, although taking the drug did not seem to up the risk of death in patients with a history of heart problems.

Mental 'Exercise' May Only Hide Signs of Alzheimer's

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Reading, crossword puzzles and other mentally stimulating activities have pros and cons when it comes to Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.