Health Highlights: June 2, 2008

ByABC News
June 2, 2008, 4:52 PM

June 3 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Bottling Up Feelings May Help Some in Trauma Recovery

For some people, bottling up feelings about traumatic events may be better than letting it all out, suggests a University at Buffalo study that compared the progress of 3,000 people who used different approaches in the two years after the 9/11 attacks.

The participants -- none of whom lost a loved one or friend in the terrorist attacks -- completed online surveys in the days immediately after 9/11 and over the next two years. After that time, those who kept their feelings to themselves appeared to be in better psychological condition than those who talked about their feelings, BBC News reported.

"We should be telling people there is likely nothing wrong if they do not want to express their thoughts and feelings after experiencing a collective trauma. In fact, they can cope quite successfully and, according to our results, are likely to be better off than someone who does want to express his or her feelings," said study leader Dr. Mark Seery.

The study appears in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

It's important not to generalize about the "right" approach for all patients, Professor Stephen Joseph, a U.K. specialist in post-disaster trauma, told BBC News. He noted that other studies have found that talking about traumatic experiences in combination with counseling was the correct path to recovery for many people.

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Abbott Recalls Infant Formula

Abbott has announced an international recall of certain lots of infant formula because air may have entered the cans, resulting in oxidation. Consumption of highly oxidized foods can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.

The recall covers two lots of Calcilo XD Low-Calcium/Vitamin D-Free Infant Formula with Iron powder in 14.1-ounce (400g) cans. The cans have stock number 00378 and lot numbers 39973RB or 47239RB6 printed on the bottom.