Structural abnormalities start early, researchers report. A new scanning technology has detected previously unnoticed bone abnormalities in adolescent girls afflicted with the eating disorder anorexia.

Beta-alanine boosts muscle, balance, study finds. The dietary supplement beta-alanine (BA) -- widely used by athletes and body builders -- improves muscle endurance in the elderly, according to U.S. researchers.

Proper activity can help prevent a relapse If you have chronic back pain, it can periodically put you out of commission and onto the couch. Once you're feeling better, exercise can help prevent another bout with an aching back.

There's not enough outreach and prevention, new report finds. Poor police training, a lack of educational materials, and meager data collection are hindering efforts to increase awareness about the dangers of drowsy driving in the United States and aggressively tackle the problem, a new report finds.

The supplements can help prevent stress fractures, experts say. Calcium and vitamin D supplements may do more than strengthen bones in older women. These vital nutrients may also help younger, active women reduce their risk of stress fractures.

Neurological 'reward centers' lit up as they watched injuries occur, study found. Bullies may actually enjoy the pain they cause others, a new study using brain scans suggests.

And referrals should start with emergency room doctors, study says. For children and teens who suffer violence at the hands of peers, immediate one-on-one mentoring on how to safely avoid conflict and diffuse threats reduces their risk of becoming victims again, a new study says.

It interferes with bone metabolism and bone mass maintenance, study finds. Alcohol disrupts genes needed to maintain healthy bones, which can lead to a decrease in bone mass and bone strength, a new study says.

Poisonings, deaths pose severe public health threat, especially in underdeveloped areas. Snakebites pose an important but neglected threat to global public health, new research claims.

Driving drunk, skipping seatbelts more common for adolescents illegally at the wheel, study finds. As if the thought of teenagers driving before they've gotten their license isn't scary enough, a new study finds these same kids are also more likely to drive while drinking or on drugs, and more apt to not buckle up when they get behind the wheel.

Findings challenge widespread belief that older sitters raise likelihood of harm. When grandparents act as caregivers for children of working parents, the risk of childhood injury is reduced by about half, says a U.S. study that challenges the widespread belief that children are more likely to suffer an injury while being cared for by grandparents.

But orthopedists say a home safety review could cut odds of fractures in those over 65. Former first lady Nancy Reagan and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's grandmother have suffered recent pelvic and hip injuries. And on Friday, author Studs Terkel died, following reports that a fall two weeks ago had hastened his decline.

Limit trick-or-treating to familiar places, don't take candy from strangers, expert says. With Halloween right around the corner, many parents are wondering how they can help keep their kids safe.

Public Citizen cites liver failure deaths, other risks of adverse events for diabetes drug. The diabetes drug Avandia should be banned in the United States because it can cause death from liver failure and poses many other life-threatening risks that greatly outweigh its benefits, the advocacy group Public Citizen said Thursday.

Bisphosphonates may up rate of serious atrial fibrillation, review finds. The popular bone-building medications known as bisphosphonates may have a rare, but serious, cardiac side effect.

Rate double that for healthy patients, regardless of gender, site of injury, study says. Nearly a third of moderate-to-severe trauma patients reported some degree of sexual dysfunction a year after the trauma itself, a new report says.

Researchers say finding calls for better osteoporosis screening, treatment in these patients. People with heart failure face a higher risk of fractures, particularly of potentially crippling breaks in the hip bones, new Canadian research finds.

But high doses may protect against fractures, cancer, study suggests.  High doses of vitamin K1 may not prevent a decline in age-related bone mineral density, but it may protect against fracture and cancer in postmenopausal women with osteopenia, a new report shows.

466 cases, including one baby's death, are linked to the repellent 'foggers,' U.S. report finds. Between 2001 and 2006, commercial "bug bomb" insect deterrents caused 466 cases of acute pesticide-related illness or injury in eight states, U.S. researchers reported Thursday.

Changing modes of transport have had little effect on unintentional injuries. Horses may have long given way to cars as people movers, but travel was as hazardous 500 years ago as it is today, U.K. researchers suggest.

Poorer access to care may all play a role, experts say. Infant victims of abuse whose families don't have private health insurance are almost four times more likely to die, compared with abused babies who are privately insured, a new study finds.

But the benefit disappears when breast cancer drug is stopped. Tamoxifen, the drug used for more than 30 years to treat breast cancer, reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures, a new study shows.

Help protect yourself in the event of a seizure People with epilepsy are prone to injury in the event of a sudden seizure.

Getting out of bed sooner helped quality of life after discharge, study finds. The best medicine for intensive care unit (ICU) patients may be getting them out of bed and moving as soon as they're able, a new report says.

Scalds, resulting in serious injuries, can occur, study finds. Children as young as 18 months can open a microwave, remove the hot substance, and scald themselves. These burns can result in serious injuries that often required skin grafting and intensive care.

13-item questionnaire predictd who will be more active in post-surgery rehab. Doctors may soon be able to use a simple questionnaire to predict which spine surgery patients will engage in their own physical therapy, say Johns Hopkins researchers.

Researchers suggest needles used on kids are sometimes too long. New research suggests that federal guidelines on the length of needles used to vaccinate children could put some kids in danger of injury.

But lead researcher says it's too soon to give up on glucosamine. The popular supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are no better than a placebo at preventing cartilage loss in knees of people with the form of arthritis caused by wear and tear, a new study found.

Sprains, fractures, turf toe most common injuries, but warm-ups, proper gear cut risks.  People who play football and other fall sports are at increased risk for lower extremity injuries and need to take precautions to protect themselves, says the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

New study doesn't show same result for women, however Eating fruits and vegetables can help elderly men guard against the bone loss that can lead to hip fractures, Tufts University researchers report.

Finding just latest in list of potential adverse events for bone-saving medications. Doctors can now add inflammatory eye disease to the list of potential side effects from the bone medications known as bisphosphonates.

Which type is best for you?  A knee brace can help protect an injured knee from further injury, or help prevent injury in a weakened or arthritic knee. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of different types of knee braces

Gradual weight loss over 6 months showed no apparent harm, study finds. Overweight adults who eat a low-calorie diet that includes proper nutrition can lose weight and fat without experiencing significant bone loss, a new study says.

Whether it's raking leaves or climbing ladders for repairs, work safe. As you go about your autumn yard and housework, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent injuries, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

But safety glasses can cut injury risk by 90%, vision expert says. Sports-related eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in school-age children, but most could be prevented with the proper eye protection.

Hormone-deprivation Rx erodes bone, but meds like Fosamax can help, study shows.  Men receiving hormone-deprivation therapy for advanced but localized prostate cancer can develop bone loss as a side effect of the treatment.

Low-cost therapy reduces threat of transfer from mother's bones to fetus or nursing infant. High daily doses of calcium supplements may reduce lead levels in the blood of pregnant women and cut down on fetal and infant exposure, a new report suggests.

Help prevent it Back pain is a common complaint for pregnant women, but there are things you can do to help relieve the strain on your back. The American Pregnancy Association offers these suggestions

Mouse study confirms stem cells surrounding fibers can repopulate and help heal injury. A single cell can repopulate damaged skeletal muscle in mice, says a Stanford University School of Medicine study that's the first to confirm that muscle stem cells can be found in so-called satellite cells encircling muscle fibers.

Bisphosphonates can be first-line therapy, particularly for those with hip fracture risk, physicians' group says in new guidelines. Physicians should offer drug treatment to women and men who've been diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone density, says a recently issued clinical practice guideline by the American College of Physicians (ACP).

But lifestyle changes can lower risk, researchers note. A new large global survey reveals that more than half of women who suffer from osteoporosis do not perceive themselves to be at a higher risk for experiencing a fracture.

September is vision safety awareness month, and group offers tips to prevent accidents. Almost 40 percent of eye injuries happen to people doing yard work or gardening at home, yet few people think about wearing eye protection during these times.

Shoulders, neck and back most affected, but group says smart loading could cut stress. About 85 percent of American university students report backpack-related pain and discomfort, says a Boston University study.

Two to three years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, psychological trauma and new respiratory problems were still elevated among people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry, according to the latest New York City health department study.

Most hurt by other children wielding club while playing away from course, study says. Although rare, golf-related eye injures in children can be devastating, says a U.S. study.

And medications do little to influence the link, study finds. Getting five hours or less of sleep a night increases the risk of falls among women aged 70 and older, says a U.S. study.

For sufferers of joint disease, finding could lead to preventive treatments, study says. The first direct proof of how osteoarthritis destroys cartilage has been discovered by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers.

See your doctor following a head injury. A jarring and forceful blow to the head can result in a brain injury called a concussion. The American Academy of Family Physicians lists the following warning signs of concussion, which should be evaluated as soon as possible by a doctor

Protect your injury and stay comfortable When a splint or cast is applied to help a broken bone heal, the cast itself requires some care. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions

Catastrophic damage blamed on gymnastic-type stunts now common in routines, study says. Over the past 25 years, cheerleading accounted for two-thirds of all catastrophic sports injuries experienced by high school and college females in the United States, a much higher proportion than previously thought, a new report says.

Enzyme called Smurf1 acts as signaling partner that turns off building-block proteins. New details about how rheumatoid arthritis destroys bone have been uncovered by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers, who said their findings are already helping efforts to create new drugs to reverse the process.

Text messaging may not seem an obvious safety concern. But the American College of Emergency Physicians warns that being distracted by text messaging at inappropriate times -- such as when crossing streets -- can result in serious injury or death.

Zoledronic acid stabilized mineral density in premenopausal women, study finds. Zometa (zoledronic acid) prevented bone loss at 12 months in premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy after they had surgery for early stage breast cancer, a new study found.

Drug countered effect of endocrine therapy in premenopausal patients, study finds. Zoledronic acid prevents bone loss in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy and improves bone mineral density after treatment, according to an Austrian study.

Too many Americans aren't getting enough of the sun-sourced nutrient, researchers say. Low levels of vitamin D can boost older women's risk for hip fracture by more than 70 percent, University of Pittsburgh researchers report.

But experts aren't sure if the pills, or underlying depression, are to blame. Taking prescription antidepressants while still highly depressed could impair driving ability, a new study suggests.

Orthopedic doctor offers tips on how to choose and use the proper backpack. The start of a new school year means it's time to remind students and parents about proper selection and use of backpacks.

Obesity, previous HRT, chemo also raised chances for those on endocrine treatment, study says. Postmenopausal women with breast cancer who are receiving endocrine treatment may be at increased risk of joint issues, including arthritis, a new study finds.

Proton pump inhibitors taken for more than 7 years quadrupled chance of hip breaks, study finds. New Canadian research shows that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, peptic ulcers and related disorders elevates the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

Eye injuries can occur when you're playing sports, working with tools or chemicals, or even in the kitchen. The U.S. National Safety Council says you should always wear eye protection when you are.

Using golf carts as an alternative means of transportation is becoming common in some parts of the United States, but it is also leading to an increasing number of injuries, say researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Center for Injury Sciences.

Bone-strengthening therapies could prevent these accident-linked injuries, research shows, High-trauma fractures, such as those caused by vehicle crashes or from steep falls, are associated with weak bones, researchers report.

Joe Namath's Super Bowl crew has fared better with health than many retired players, study finds. The pluck and luck that helped the upstart New York Jets football team capture Super Bowl III in 1969 -- considered one of the biggest upsets in U.S. sports history -- seems to have followed the players well into their retirement.

The fun of jumping into a pool turns into trauma for about 6,500 adolescents a year who end up in emergency rooms for diving-related injuries. That's an average of one injury an hour, a 16-year study finds, with children aged 10 and 14 most likely to get hurt.

Most people love a dip in the pool to cool off during the summer swelter, but don't let that refreshing feeling make you forgot basic safety rules. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, medical professionals in 2007 treated almost 172,000 swimming-related injuries

High levels of alkaline phosphatase -- a routinely measured marker of bone disease -- may signal an increased risk of death among patients receiving dialysis for chronic kidney disease, say U.S. researchers.

Lifting or carrying objects -- even light ones -- can cause injury and pain if you don't follow the proper techniques. The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to help prevent back injuries

Calculating a woman's bone mineral density appears to shed light on her risk for breast cancer. A new study has found that high bone mineral density (BMD) predicts a greater likelihood of developing breast cancer, independent of how high her risk is on the often-used Gail model.

Grown in lab, then returned to body, they could lead to nonsurgical treatments. Adult stem cells that may prove valuable in efforts to develop nonsurgical treatments for spinal cord injuries have been identified by researchers in the United States and Sweden.

Virtually silent engines remove key cue to safety; group seeks legislative help. Because they can be nearly silent, hybrid cars pose a serious threat of injury and death to blind and visually impaired people, says the American Council of the Blind, which is pushing the auto industry and government officials to develop ways to reduce this danger.

It may seem just cosmetic, but condition can lead to more serious problems, doctor warns. Spider and varicose veins in women can be caused by a number of factors, including hormone fluctuations, wearing high-heeled shoes, age, heat, obesity and type of occupation, says the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. Falls are a leading cause of serious injury and death among elderly people in the United States, and most of those falls occur in the home, says the American Geriatric Society (AGS).

As your baby grows and learns to walk, it's important to prepare your home to keep your toddler safe and injury-free. The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to toddler-proof your home

But surgery helps them return to prior playing level 83% of time, report shows. One of the country's leading sports doctors reports that he's performing more surgeries on sprained elbows in young athletes, a fact that reflects higher numbers of children focusing on just one sport.

The rule of thumb? 'When thunder roars, go indoors.' Summer is the peak time for Americans to be active outdoors, so it is also the time for them to be most aware of the dangers of lightning.

Emergency department 'teachable moments' remembered well by parents, youngsters, study finds. Pediatric trauma centers and emergency departments are good places to teach children how to curb risky behavior and reduce the threat of injury, according to researchers at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Studies suggest an increased fracture risk in people who take the medications. Older adults may get a needed mood boost from a prescribed antidepressant, but they're also at increased risk for bone fractures, a growing number of studies suggest.

Failure rate after surgery as high as 24% in middle-age patients, study shows. Using replacement ligaments from cadavers for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) may have a failure rate as high as 24 percent in active patients under the age of 40.

Fluoroquinolones, which include Cipro, can cause tendinitis and tendon rupture, agency says. Antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones will need to carry a black box warning alerting physicians to the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with their use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday.

Roller sports -- including roller skating and roller blading, biking, skateboarding and scooters -- are a common cause of injury, especially in children. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these suggestions to prevent injuries from roller sports

Common sense and caution guarantee outdoor fun stays healthy, expert says. A few simple safety precautions can help ensure your summer fun doesn't lead to the hospital emergency department, says Dr. Jeff Kalina, associate director of emergency medicine at the Methodist Hospital in Houston.

Experts say leave the July 4 celebrations to the pros. Fireworks can be breathtaking spectacles, creating glittering showers of sparks and earth-rumbling booms that thrill people for miles around.

Coaches, athletic trainers focus on prevention, better treatment for young athletes. But new research suggests that high school football coaches are getting a lot better at spotting a concussion and managing the problem, although there's still room for improvement.

Smoking can affect many parts of your body, even your bones and joints. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these musculoskeletal problems that can be triggered by smoking