health screenings news stories on Newser

As Mammograms Go Digital, Docs Call More Women Back

Matt Cantor — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:28:00 CDT

As more radiologists switch from film to digital mammogram imaging, they must learn new interpretation techniques—and that means more healthy women face a dreaded recall for further testing, the New York Times reports. During the changeover, “there’s an increase in the rate of things you think are abnormal,” says...

Pentagon Delayed Brain Scans for Returning Troops

Matt Cantor — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 18:57:30 CDT

Seeking to duck controversy, the Pentagon did not screen returning US troops for brain injuries for more than 2 years. Top brass feared that soldiers would blame minor health woes on brain trauma—which could spark another Gulf War Syndrome, Air Force Col. Kenneth Cox told USA Today . But one...

Kids Get Graded on Obesity

Olivia Gage — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:08:26 CDT

School nurses in six states are now sending out "obesity report cards," giving parents the results of mandatory Body Mass Index screenings of their children. With the number of overweight kids quadrupling over the last 40 years, advocates aim to detect health issues early. But not all parents are thrilled...