Health Highlights: Jan. 5, 2010

Jan. 6 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Head Blows Don't Cause Brain Damage: Ex-NFL Doctor

Despite tough questioning by members of Congress, the former head of the NFL's concussion committee insisted Monday there is no proven link between football head injuries and brain disease.

"There is not enough valid, reliable or objective scientific evidence at present to determine whether or not repeat head impacts in professional football result in long-term brain damage," New York City neurologist Dr. Ira Casson said in prepared testimony delivered to the House Judiciary Committee, CBS News and the Associated Press reported.

Casson, who resigned as co-chair of the NFL's committee on mild brain injuries in November, said it was wrong to suggest that the committee had ignored the problem of head injuries among football players.

His stance drew scorn from House Judiciary Committee members.

"I find it really ridiculous that he's saying that concussions don't cause long-term cognitive problems," said Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., CBS/AP reported. "I think most people you ask on the street would figure that repeated blows to the head aren't good for you."

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FDR Killed by Melanoma, Authors Say

Melanoma may have contributed to the sudden death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in April 1945, suggests a new book written by neurologist Dr. Steven Lomazow and journalist Eric Fettmann.

While it's certain that Roosevelt died of a cerebral hemorrhage at age 63, it isn't clear what actually caused the stroke, The New York Times reported.

Photos show that in the first two terms of his 12-year presidency, Roosevelt had a dark spot over his left eyebrow that seemed to grow larger over time. But the spot disappeared around 1940 and was replaced by a small scar.