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MiamiHerald.com: Health AP

• Rabid Iraqi dog arrives in US; warning issued
  Federal health officials have issued a public health warning against rabies after an Iraqi puppy with the disease arrived in the United States.
• FDA: Tiny bit of melamine OK in most foods
  Tiny traces of melamine, the chemical that has set off a global food safety scare, are not harmful in most foods, except baby formula, government experts said Friday.
• Largest study of US children to begin in January
  The largest study of U.S. children ever performed - aiming to track 100,000 from conception to age 21 - will start recruiting mothers-to-be in North Carolina and New York in January.
• As economy sags, faces do too, cosmetic docs say
  The economy isn't the only thing that's sagging - so are faces, breasts and bellies as would-be cosmetic surgery patients increasingly opt against costly nips and tucks because of tough financial times.
• FDA: No quick decision on cold medicines for kids
  A top government health official Thursday rejected pediatricians' calls for an immediate ban on over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for young children, saying it might cause unintended harm.
• Computers help docs spot breast cancer on X-rays
  A computer is as good as a second pair of eyes for helping a radiologist spot breast cancer on a mammogram, one of the largest and most rigorous tests of computer-aided detection found.
• Mailmen might deliver meds in next anthrax attack
  If there ever is another anthrax attack, the letter carrier may deliver your antibiotics. Federal health officials are beginning a project in Minneapolis-St. Paul to let letter carriers stockpile a personal supply of emergency antibiotics so they are protected and ready to deliver aid to the rest of the city at a moment's notice.
• Study traces AIDS virus origin to 100 years ago
  The AIDS virus has been circulating among people for about 100 years, decades longer than scientists had thought, a new study suggests. Genetic analysis pushes the estimated origin of HIV back to between 1884 and 1924, with a more focused estimate at 1908.
• Faster genetic test for flu virus approved
  The government approved a new genetic test for the flu virus Tuesday that will allow labs across the country to identify flu strains within four hours instead of four days.
• Study: Voting could be hazardous so be careful
  Could voting for president be hazardous to your health? An analysis of Election Day traffic deaths dating back to Jimmy Carter's 1976 win suggests yes, but the authors say that's no reason not to go to the polls.
• Group calls for free malaria treatment in Africa
  Making tests and treatment for malaria free dramatically increases the number of people who seek treatment for the disease that kills 1 million people a year, an international medical aid group said Tuesday.
• Heart patients should be screened for depression
  Heart patients should be regularly screened for signs of depression, the American Heart Association recommended Monday.
• More foods getting labeled as US or foreign-grown
  No more wondering where your hamburger came from, or where your lettuce and tomatoes were grown: Starting this week, shoppers will see lots more foods labeled with the country of origin.
• Health clubs gear programs for those with ailments
  When Patti Kiernan found out she had osteoporosis, she decided it was time to find a more focused workout.
• Mexico pushes national campaign to lose weight
  Abraham Leon was getting a checkup when he found out he had high blood pressure and was at risk of developing diabetes.
• West Nile season appears to be mildest in 7 years
  The West Nile virus season is on track to be the mildest in seven years, with less than a third the number of serious cases as last year's total, U.S. health officials said.
• Government probes chelation-heart disease study
  The largest alternative medicine study the government has ever launched has stopped enrolling people while officials investigate whether participants were fully informed of the risks and are being adequately protected, The Associated Press has learned.
• Medicare officials advise seniors to shop around
  Federal health officials encouraged Medicare participants on Thursday to shop around for their prescription drug coverage next year because it could include significant price increases or changes regarding which drugs the plans will cover.
• Study: Seniors not quite embracing generic drugs
  Seniors who switch between low-cost generic drugs and the original products based on who's footing the bill are likely driving up the cost of the government's Medicare drug plan, according to a new study.
• Study: Extending time of stroke drug treatment OK
  Stroke sufferers can still benefit from clot-busting medicine even if they receive it an hour or so beyond the current three-hour window after symptoms start, an important new study suggests.