Today's daily briefing

Oct. 25, 2006 12 AM PT

Keep up-to-date with the latest health headlines. Every day, you’ll find links to the newest articles on medicine, health and wellness -- the information you need to stay informed.

(LAT)

Americans’ frustration with high health insurance costs surged sharply this year, helping to explain why many voters remain uneasy about the economy despite plunging gas prices, low unemployment and a soaring stock market.

(LAT)

Study of risky surgeries finds racial disparity: Black, Latino and Asian patients are more likely than whites to have high-risk surgeries at California hospitals that have less experience doing the procedures, according to a study published today.

Federal advisory panel recommends routine shingles vaccines for adults 60 and over (AP via The Houston Chronicle)

An influential government advisory panel voted Wednesday to recommend routine vaccines to protect older adults against shingles.

U.S. study finds flu vaccine safe for toddlers (AP via The San Jose Mercury News)

The biggest study ever to look at the side effects of flu shots in children confirmed that the vaccine is safe for babies and toddlers.

Exercise helps smokers quit, study concludes (Reuters)

Want to quit smoking? Hit the gym. A study released Tuesday by the American College of Chest Physicians found smokers who combine exercise with nicotine gum or transdermal patches are more likely to quit than those who rely on nicotine replacement therapy alone.

UK surgeons get go-ahead for full face transplant (Reuters via MSNBC)

British surgeons have been given ethical permission to perform the world’s full face transplants, a spokesman for the Royal Free Hospital in London said on Wednesday.

Twins more likely to have early menopause -- study (ABC News)

Twin sisters are more likely than other women to have a premature menopause, scientists said on Tuesday.

US IVF experts advise limits on embryo transfers (Reuters)

Medical groups representing U.S. fertility experts, alarmed by rising numbers of multiple births, Tuesday advised limiting the number of embryos implanted in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization.

Boston Scientific, J&J Stents Leave Doctors Divided (Bloomberg News)

A dispute over the safety of heart stents from Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific Corp. is causing a public rift among cardiologists.