Health News This Week (December 21, 2009)

Flu, Health-Care Overhaul Debate Top 2009 Health Stories – December 22, 2009: Whether they wanted to or not, many Americans learned a lot about the state of their health care this year. High unemployment, the swine-flu pandemic and growing political momentum for a health-system overhaul made 2009 a high-stakes year for health care, with 2010 poised to carry on a few big themes.

Try holiday foods with a nutritional punch – December 23, 2009: Many foods we eat during the holidays have nutrients that may help prevent disease.

GOP eyes last-ditch effort to derail health care bill – December 23, 2009: Congressional Republicans on Wednesday plan to mount a last-ditch challenge to the health care bill moving through the Senate, arguing that a key provision is unconstitutional.

Volunteers vaccinate homeless against H1N1 – December 22, 2009: Sean Cononie bounded out of the back of an ambulance ahead of most of the other volunteers. A bullhorn in his hand, he was, in a sense, the pied piper.

Heart-healthy gifts from the kitchen – December 21, 2009: Nothing quite expresses love and joy like gifts of food — especially for those loved ones on your list who may be at higher risk for heart disease.

Holiday Depression – December 19, 2009: CNN’s Betty Nguyen talks to social worker Rita Grayson about ways to cope and avoid holiday stressors.