(June 9, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From France - Middle-age smokers appear to be at higher risk for developing poor memory, according to research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that smokers were 30 percent more likely to have poorer vocabularies and lower verbal frequency scores than ex-smokers. The study indicates that midlife cognitive impairment may increase one's risk for dementia later in life.

From South Carolina - A 10-year-old boy has died from drowning more than one hour after swimming. According to the CDC, a small percentage of drowning victims die up to 24 hours after water has entered the respiratory system. The signs of dry drowning include tiredness, difficulty breathing, and sudden changes in behavior. If these symptoms are observed, seek medical attention.

And finally, from Chicago - Men with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk for heart attack, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers compared men who had suffered a non-fatal heart attack with men who have no history of cardiovascular disease. They found that men with a vitamin D deficiency were at higher risk for heart attack when compared with those with adequate levels. These findings stress the importance of vitamin D in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.