The current economic downturn can be measured by all kinds of economic indicators–including some showing up in hospitals and doctors’ offices around the country, where surveys show that patients are deferring non-emergency care and not showing up for appointments. In response, some doctors are offering special rates and payment plans. Some are even treating patients in dire straits for free.

Antioxidants are good. The free radical molecules they neutralize are bad. Or so we’ve all been led to think. Now a study of exercise and insulin sensitivity turns that conventional notion on its head.

After cancelling his wildly popular comedy tour “Weapons of Self-Destruction” because of serious heart problems, Robin Williams is soon to be back on the circuit. And by all accounts, his over-the-top sense of humor is undiminished. The tour was postponed after the comedian underwent major surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in March to replace his aortic valve, repair his mitral valve and treat an irregular heartbeat.

Researchers have long known that women who get adequate amounts of folic acid are much less likely to give birth to infants with spina bifida, a devastating birth defect. New research shows that folic acid supplements dramatically reduce the risk of preterm births, as well.

A bacterial infection that causes chronic diarrhea and fever, among other symptoms, is on the rise, experts say. Since 2000, the incidence has increased 25 percent a year. The chief cause of the epidemic: the very drugs designed to fight off bacterial infections, antibiotics.

Many cancer patients swear by acupressure wristbands as a way to ward off treatment-related nausea. Most doctors have assumed the bands work because of the placebo effect. No longer.

Sports drinks may give you an energy boost when you’re working out. But disturbing new evidence suggests they may also be wreaking havoc on your pearly whites.

The solution to the growing threat of childhood obesity may be as simple as a tall glass of water, experts say.

Sure they’re cute. Yes they’re cuddly. But man’s best friends can also be downright dangerous, according to new statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Most of the time we complain about videogames, which seem to encourage violent impulses and physical slothfulness. Now comes news that playing fast-paced video action games actually improves vision.