Reducing the risk of blood clots:
Hundreds of people suffering from a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation now have a new way to reduce the risk of clots, without using blood thinners.  For heart patients with atrial fibrillation, the small upper chambers of the heart quiver instead of beating like they should. And blood clots are always a threat.

Until now, a blood thinner like Warfarin or Coumadin has been the only way to prevent clots. But a new option, one the FDA likes a lot, takes a little mesh-like parachute into the very heart of the heart where clots form- a little appendage in the heart where blood in these patients pools. With the new procedure, a catheter snakes the device up into the heart from a small incision on the leg. When it reaches this appendage, the parachute extends over the opening. The mesh then becomes a scaffold, allowing skin to grow over the device,thus making the seal permanent. Cardiologist Brian Whisenant says almost everyone with atrial fibrillation could be eligible for the implant.

 
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Exercise to boost your mood:
The rush of endorphins that comes with physical activity is known to boost mood, and now doctors say that upbeat attitude can last for hours after you finish a workout.

Researchers at the University of Vermont had 24 college students exercise for 20 minutes, while another 24 did nothing. 

People in the exercise group felt a lift in mood immediately after the physical activity which stayed with them for up to 12 hours afterward. 

Researchers say this may be particularly significant for people suffering from stress or even depression.