THURSDAY, Dec. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Following mothers' advice may have played a big role in averting a major health crisis.

THURSDAY, Dec. 29 (HealthDay News) -- As fears of a flu epidemic that could cause severe illness or death gripped much of the United States the past two winters, George Boue grappled with more fear than just his own.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- During this season of good cheer and abundant holiday parties, hangovers are not uncommon. And while folk remedies abound, the only things that are truly helpful in curing the misery of a hangover the morning after are time and fluid replacement, experts say.

(HealthDay News) -- Nausea and vomiting are common among pregnant women. Although these symptoms often are dubbed morning sickness, they can last all day.

(HealthDay News) -- Whether you're dragging out suitcases for a vacation of your own, or hauling someone else's overstuffed bags, proper lifting techniques can protect you from a back injury.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Certain species of wildlife are adopting an urban American diet, a new study finds.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- A new Swedish study shows that severe asthma seems to be more common than previously believed. It also reports that those afflicted by it have a higher prevalence of blocked or runny noses, a possible sign that physicians should pay more attention to nasal congestion and similar issues.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Flying down a snowy hillside may give kids a thrill, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 74,000 injuries from sledding and related snow activities required medical treatment by U.S. health providers in 2004.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers report that they've gained insight into the workings of the "starvation hormone," which appears to play a role in how the body stores fat to protect against future hunger.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- Winter does have its pluses for people who suffer from allergies: at least they're less likely to get hay fever.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- The number of emergency department visits that involved underage drinking jumped by more than 250 percent on New Year's Day two years ago, compared with other days of the year, a new U.S. study reveals.

THURSDAY, Dec. 30 (HealthDay News) -- In a year packed with health news headlines, the pick for top spot was still easy: the passage last spring of the long-sought health care reform bill.

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

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