Health Headlines, Jan 11- Jan 17

January 11 – Better ways to detect concussions

It is no secret that concussions are a big concern among athletes — and while scientists are working on various ways to monitor the impact of hits to the head — there is still no definitive test to determine if an actual concussion has occurred. But researchers in the U.S. are trying to change that.

January 13 – Alzheimer’s test

We’re addressing a big concern for a nation dealing with an aging population. A number of people who spend a part of everyday wondering if their memory is failing and if that could be an early sign of something much more serious. Tonight, there is a new at-home test to help keep track of mental sharpness . Our report is from NBC news.

January 14 – Specialized care needed for pediatric cancer survivors

Childhood cancer survivors are finding the battle isn’t over. The effects of toxic treatment linger well into adulthood, but the level of care that children receive isn’t always carried through. Elaine Yong reports on the push for some specialized care for pediatric cancer families.

January 15 – Middle age drinking and memory loss

New research suggests middle-aged men risk faster mental decline — including memory loss — if they’ve been drinking heavily for years.

January 16 – Progesterone study

More than a decade a ago, a bombshell study sent a chill through menopausal women right across the country. It was determined that standard hormone replacement therapy prescribed at the time — a combination of estrogen and progesterone could increase a woman’s risk of heart attack, breast cancer and stroke. But now, Canadian researchers say progesterone is actually safe for therapeutic use. Linda Aylesworth explains why.

January 17 – Watch what you drink

According to a study at John Hopkins University, heavy people who drink diet soda tend to eat more than heavy people who drink regular soda.