Critics say the practice may provide misleading information, but for many, the knowledge can speed up the often lengthy delays.His smashed finger wrapped in bandages, Len Balon walked into an emergency room and eyed the flat-screen monitor broadcasting live wait times for Scottsdale Healthcare's area hospitals. Osborn Hospital, where he was standing: two hours and 55 minutes. Thompson Peak hospital, a short distance away: four minutes.

  In Southern California -- where the posting of wait times has yet to be adopted -- wait times are even longer than they are nationally.

  Australian researchers find that more than 90% of those in study had effective immunity after a single dose, but the 15-microgram dose of antigen is twice that used in the United States.Australian researchers have shown that a single dose of vaccine against pandemic H1N1 influenza can provide effective immunity against the swine flu virus in infants and children, a finding that, if corroborated, could help damp the spread of the virus by reducing the logistical complications associated with the currently recommended regimen of two doses.

  Social service and legal authorities are grappling with the issue of when to intervene.When Dr. Sadaf Farooqi and colleagues discovered a genetic abnormality that caused severe obesity in a handful of children, she had no cure. Yet the scientist transformed four families' lives nonetheless.

  Researchers look at oral enzymes and immunotherapy as possible treatments for celiac disease.In a sense, the 2 million plus Americans with celiac disease are lucky. No other autoimmune disease has such a safe and effective treatment.

  Lozenges, supplements, and nasal sprays that contain the mineral should be taken in small doses, researchers say. Too much can cause a myriad of health problems.With at least two flus and plenty of colds, coughs and sore throats circulating this season, some Americans are turning to zinc to ward off viruses.

  Studies are mixed on effectiveness, and not all products are alike.Whether zinc actually helps with colds or the flu is still an open question.

  Some physicians don't even know the activity exists, but, due in part to YouTube videos, more and more children are playing it.Risk-taking adolescent behavior: It's not all sex, drugs and alcohol. There's also the choking game -- otherwise known as "space monkey," "sleeper hold" and "funky chicken."

  FMF, which primarily affects Greeks, Armenians, Turks, and Sephardic Jews, has ancient roots but remained a medical mystery until the mid-20th century.One look at Ani's swollen ankles and we knew she was in trouble.

  Bending and twisting your torso should be done correctly to avoid injury to your back. If you have tight hamstrings, try using a yoga block to help bring the floor up to your hands. The block will add stability to this exercise so you can do it properly.