The incidence of heart attacks in New York dropped by at least eight percent with the implementation of a secondhand smoke law, a study by the state Health Department shows.

The report found that hospitals admitted 3,813 fewer patients for heart attacks in 2004 than would be expected in the Big Apple without the indoor smoking ban. This is consistent with the results of similar studies elsewhere

Putting to rest uncertainties about the benefits and risks of weight-loss surgery, a new study says such treatments may also reduce mortality rates.

It is the first long-term study of gastric bypass and other abdominal surgeries that help severely obese individuals lose large amounts of weight

new presidential report on cancer cites food companies alongside tobacco companies, calling on the government to switch to policies that encourage healthy eating and "cease being a purveyor of unhealthy foods."

"Ineffective policies, in conjunction with limited regulation of sales and marketing in the food and beverage industry, have spawned a culture that struggles to make healthy choices -- a culture in dire need of change," the report said

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention has found that the number of adults who still do not have their health insurance has reportedly jumped by 2 million from 2005 to 2006.

According to the federal report, Americans without insurance were pegged at 43.6 million last year, a 6 percent increase from 2005. The increase was detected in the non-elderly adult population, a change attributed to diminishing employer coverage and pricier private insurance

The U.S. Congress on Wednesday began its investigation into the entry of a man with a dangerous form of tuberculosis into the country, which several lawmakers claim exposed loop holes in the nation's security.

The House Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Bennie Thompson, conducted the hearing after 31-year-old Andrew Speaker from Atlanta caused an international health scare.

Border officials testifying in Congress pointed to a lone officer as the culprit of allowing Speaker into the country after receiving a computer alert to detain him and contact health authorities