THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Older people prefer to read negative news stories about the young, possibly because it makes them feel better about themselves, a new study suggests.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to online social networking, people are more likely to change habits that might affect their health when encouraged to do so by cyber conversations with friends they already know well and with whom they are in close contact, new research suggests.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Most Americans are willing to have their genetic information shared in a national database, but they first want to be asked, researchers report.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- As Hurricane Earl, packing 145 mph winds, crept closer to the U.S. east coast Thursday, federal officials urged residents to take steps to protect themselves and their property.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- The mystery of why some people are more likely to become addicted to opioid painkillers has been partially unraveled by the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- As the provisions of the Affordable Care Act begin to be implemented, many small businesses in the United States will be able to take advantage of new tax credits, a new report shows.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Over the last 10 years, the percentage of Americans who took at least one prescription drug in the past month increased from 44 percent to 48 percent, says a federal government study released Thursday.

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of ClinicalConnection.com:

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Many Americans have skewed perceptions when it comes to their weight, often believing they are lighter than they actually are, even when the scales are shouting otherwise, a new poll finds.

(HealthDay News) -- Cirrhosis is the medical term used to describe the slow deterioration of the liver as a result of chronic injury to the organ.

(HealthDay News) -- A bit of preparation can make bath time less stressful for parents and safer for baby.

THURSDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, are more likely to develop dementia than those without the disorder, according to researchers at a Veterans Affairs medical center in Texas.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- More isn't necessarily better when prescribing the two drugs commonly used to treat patients who are in danger of having a heart attack, Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin, a new study suggests.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Aggressive treatment to lower high blood pressure may help preserve kidney function and prevent the need for dialysis in some black patients with chronic kidney disease.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Reading, crossword puzzles and other mentally stimulating activities have pros and cons when it comes to Alzheimer's disease, new research suggests.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Percussionists may be at risk for wrist overuse injuries, a case study suggests.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- A new study is linking the popular weight loss drug Meridia to an increased risk of non-fatal heart attacks and stroke, although taking the drug did not seem to up the risk of death in patients with a history of heart problems.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Even after escaping a violent or controlling relationship, a mother's mental health may continue to decline, a new study finds.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- Overactive blood platelets could trigger inflammation in those with lupus, but the anti-clotting drug Plavix might ease the painful symptoms of this autoimmune disease, a new study suggests.