German researchers have linked headaches in high-school students to smoking and use of alcohol. Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich also found coffee drinking and physical inactivity associated specifically with teen migraines. “Our study confirms, adolescents with any type of headache might benefit from regular physical activity and low consumption of alcoholic drinks,” study leader Dr. Astrid Milde-Busch said in a statement. “In teens suffering from migraine a low coffee consumption should also be suggested.” Milde-Busch and colleagues asked 1,260 ... Jump to full article >>

The latest Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) figure of 3.7pc prolongs the pain for savers, who will find the real value of their savings erodes fast if they cannot find accounts paying rates to match the inflation increase. Basic-rate tax payers will need to find an account paying 4.625pc to maintain the spending power of their cash and they have a choice of 20 accounts to break even, while only one account is available to higher rate tax payers. However, the 20 accounts on the market that do beat inflation are only likely to be suitable for a small proportion of savers. To qualify for these acco ... Jump to full article >>

The high court agrees to decide whether California and six other states can forbid the sale to minors of video games that show images of humans being maimed, killed or sexually assaulted. Violence is at the heart of some of the most popular video games. Now the Supreme Court is going to decide whether California, home to many of the country’s biggest game companies, can outlaw the sale to children of games in which people are maimed, killed or sexually assaulted. The video-game industry, which like the film industry runs a self-enforced rating system, has prevailed in 12 lower federal co ... Jump to full article >>

An ex-model was sent to prison in Australia Thursday for a fatal case of road rage fueled by alcohol and pot and ignited by flying cheese balls. The Sydney Morning Herald reported Justice Roderick Howie sentenced Sarah May Ward, 39, to a minimum of at least 19 years in prison, and up to 25, for murder in the 2008 death of Eli Westlake. Authorities said Ward had deliberately run down Westlake June 6, 2008, after they had a physical confrontation that started with the 21-year-old man throwing a packet of cheese balls in response to her driving the wrong way down a one-way street in suburban Sydn ... Jump to full article >>

The new adventure playground in Coffs Harbour’s Brelsford Park will now be smoke-free. The park has been added to a growing list of public facilities going smoke-free, such as the International Sports Stadium. In addition to the ban, alcohol and glass containers are now prohibited at skate parks in Coffs Harbour, Woolgoolga, Corindi and Toormina. Coffs Harbour Mayor Keith Rhoades says penalty notices could be issued by rangers but he is hoping people will abide by the bans. “Council believes that is the correct way to move and we’ve had representations from parents saying tha ... Jump to full article >>

The number of U.S. teens who say they used alcohol or drugs rose in 2009 compared with 2008, a survey indicates. Thirty-nine percent of U.S. teens say they used alcohol in the past month in 2009, up from 35 percent in 2008, while ecstasy use indicated a 67 percent increase — from 6 percent in 2008 to 10 percent in 2009 — and marijuana use went from 32 percent in 2008 to 38 percent in 2009, the study by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the MetLife Foundation says. The data indicate a reverse in the sustained declines in substance abuse among teens from 1998-2008. “W ... Jump to full article >>

The 38-year-old Ada man says he doesn’t smoke cigarettes and avoids caffeine and alcohol. He’s even a marathon runner, despite having asthma and high blood pressure. But he knows his nightly habit could lead to lung disease or cancer. “I’m kind of stubborn,” Scrivner said. “I’m one of those people who thinks that won’t happen to me.” A new study finds that pipe and cigar smoke may be more harmful than once thought. While less harmful than cigarettes, researchers found pipe and cigar smoke decreases lung function and doubles the risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary d ... Jump to full article >>

Athens and Brussels clashed today over whether Greece was doing enough to resolve the debilitating debt and deficit crisis that is imperilling the stability of the euro. George Papaconstantinou, the Greek finance minister, pleaded for time and argued that the radical austerity programme aimed at slashing 4% from the ballooning budget deficit this year was unprecedented in his country’s history. But Olli Rehn, the European commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, cast doubt on the Greek package, demanding extra action. “Risks are materialising, and therefore there is a clear ... Jump to full article >>

Kurt Fetz had something to sell to the Choices for Women Resource Center. It was yet another choice. Quit smoking, Fetz asked the center to ask its pregnant clients. If they quit, reward them. The center’s director, Rose Condra, agreed. “He wants it to be a community effort, we all working together,” she said. Fetz is out to win more partners. He began in October as coordinator of the Floyd County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition. His role is to remind people, again and again, and again if need be, of the dangers and costs of smoking. He then offers options — primarily, t ... Jump to full article >>

Underage smoking should be an offence like underage drinking, says the peak body for corner stores and petrol stations. The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) is calling on government to make it illegal for under 18s to smoke, handing police the power to issue fines or court attendance notices. AACS executive director Sheryle Moon, says existing youth anti-smoking measures place a “disproportionate burden on retailers”. “Where is the deterrent to make our kids stub out?” Ms Moon said in a statement. “We believe it is high time that the responsib ... Jump to full article >>

Homebuyers could be forced to provide detailed information about the amount of money they spend on alcohol each month to qualify for a new mortgage under a new clampdown on reckless lending. In a sweeping review of the mortgage market published today, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) said lenders needed to be far more rigorous about their financial checks of potential borrowers. It said lenders should delve deeper into homebuyers’ personal spending including the amount they spend on alcohol and tobacco. Spending on shoes, clothes and childcare could also be assessed under a new, in ... Jump to full article >>