Don't Let Fear of Cancer Keep You From Doctor Visits

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- As terrified as you might be of a possible cancer diagnosis from your doctor, a new study warns that you still need to keep your appointment.

Why? Patients who blow off appointments for cancer symptoms are 12% more likely to die within a year of diagnosis, British researchers report.

Smarter Snacks for Football Fans

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- This year, when the gang comes over to watch football, score big with these healthy treats.

Rich and creamy onion dip with chips is a favorite and so easy to make by mixing sour cream into a flavor packet. But most dip mixes are loaded with MSG, sodium and artificial flavors, plus they have zero nutrition. Instead, make your own in a snap. You'll keep in the creaminess and keep out the preservatives in that packet. It starts with dehydrated onions that you can find in the spice section of your local grocery store. To make it nutritious, choose plain, protein-rich Greek yogurt. Its tangy taste and creamy thickness is ideal for mimicking sour cream. Then go the extra yard and replace chips with carrots and zucchini spears for dipping.

Take a Fresh Look at Fitness Classes

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Tired of taking the same old cardio class? It's time to explore some of the combination classes being offered at both large gyms and small, more personalized fitness centers.

One of the most popular options is the multi-discipline class -- two or more activities woven into the same workout session, designed to keep fitness fun as well as challenge participants and avoid workout ruts. And there are many variations.

FDA OKs New Pill for Type 2 Diabetes

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- A new pill to lower blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday.

The drug, Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the first pill in a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) approved for use in the United States. Before Rybelsus, the drug had to be injected.

Make Learning Fun, and Kids Learn More

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Make it fun, and they will learn.

That's the conclusion of a new Canadian study that analyzed a kindergarten teaching program that favors playful activities and socializing over sit-down lectures. In the end, the innovative program appeared to give kids a leg up on reading, writing and arithmetic.

Sick Americans Turning to Medical Pot for Help

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- More Americans use marijuana to help them cope with an illness than just to get high, a new study finds.

Nearly 46% of those who use pot say they do so because of a medical condition, compared with 22% who say they use marijuana for recreation.

Low Vitamin D Levels, Shorter Life?

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Young and middle-aged adults with low vitamin D levels may live shorter lives, a large study suggests.

The findings come from a 20-year follow-up of more than 78,000 Austrian adults. Researchers found that those with low vitamin D levels in their blood were nearly three times more likely to die during the study period than those with adequate levels.

Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Black licorice, banana pudding and other flavored electronic cigarette liquids may make respiratory diseases like asthma worse, a new international study finds.

Vaping has surged in recent years, especially among young people. An estimated 9% of 18- to 24-year-olds use e-cigarettes in the United States.

Anemia During Pregnancy Tied to Higher Odds for Autism, ADHD in Kids

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Women who suffer from anemia early in pregnancy are at risk for having a child with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disabilities, a study by Swedish researchers suggests.

The study couldn't prove cause and effect, but "a diagnosis of anemia earlier in pregnancy might represent a more severe and long-lasting nutrition deficiency for the fetus," theorized lead researcher Renee Gardner. She's project coordinator at the department of public health sciences at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

AHA News: Adopted Baby's Unexpected Heart Problem Brought Unexpected Joy

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 (American Heart Association News) -- When their hopes of adopting a child from China were stretched thin by years of wait, Vanessa and Chris Zoog asked for a baby with a physical issue – one who could use an extra dollop of love. Doing so, they learned, would expedite the adoption process.

The New Jersey family, which includes their son Noah, talked about what sort of issue they could handle. A cleft palate? Sure. An oversized birthmark? Of course. A malformed leg or misshapen arm? Certainly.