Health Highlights: Jan. 20, 2010

ByABC News
January 20, 2010, 4:23 PM

Jan. 21 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Too Much Sitting May Harm Health

Sitting for extended periods can harm your health, even if you get regular exercise, experts warn.

It may be time to rethink how physical activity is defined in order to emphasize the dangers of sitting, Elin Ekblom-Bak, of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, wrote in an editorial published this week in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the Associated Press reported.

Guidelines currently recommend the minimum amount of physical activity, but don't suggest people limit the time they spend sitting.

"After four hours of sitting, the body starts to send harmful signals," said Ekblom-Bak, the AP reported. Genes that regulate the amount of glucose and fat in the body start to shut down, she explained.

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Graco Strollers Recalled Because of Amputation Risk

About 1.5 million Graco strollers have been recalled in the United States after reports that canopy hinges on the products had amputated five children's fingertips and cut the fingertips of two other children.

The recall includes certain model numbers of the Passage, Alano and Spree strollers and Travel Systems, said Pennsylvania-based Graco Children's Products Inc., the Associated Press reported.

The strollers were sold at retail stores nationwide from October 2004 to December 2009. Consumers should stop using the strollers and contact Graco for a free repair kit, advised the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

People who want more information about the recalled strollers can phone 800-345-4109, the AP reported.

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California Sets Doctor Appointment Wait Limits

Time limits for doctors to see patients will take effect in California in January 2011, making it the first state to introduce this type of legislation.