(HealthDay News) -- Having that first drink before age 15 puts the imbiber at a higher risk for developing an alcohol problem later in life, a new report suggests.

"The key finding of this study was that people who started drinking before age 15, and to a lesser extent those who started drinking at ages 15 to 17, were more likely to become alcohol-dependent as adults than people who waited until 18 or older to start drinking," corresponding study author Deborah A. Dawson, a staff scientist at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism said in a news release from the institute.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Freshman college students think the occasional use of prescription drugs for non-medicinal purposes poses a greater risk to their health than smoking pot or knocking back five drinks every weekend, a new study indicates.

FRIDAY, Aug. 29 (HealthDay News) -- Just a few glasses of wine over a short period in early pregnancy may cause fetal problems, suggest researchers from the Medical College of Georgia.

The initial signs of fetal alcohol syndrome, which affects one in 1,000 babies, include facial malformations such as a flat and high upper lip, small eye openings, and a short nose. Researchers are investigating whether these signs can help determine how much alcohol at what point in pregnancy may cause fetal problems.

SATURDAY, Aug. 16 (HealthDay News) -- Irresponsible eating, lack of exercise and alcohol consumption are among the factors that contribute to the Freshman 15, which refers to the extra pounds packed on by many new college students, according to a Duke University expert.

Many of us have been there at some time in our lives.

We go out for the night, drink a little too much, and suddenly the world is a better - and better-looking - place.

The slang-term is 'beer-goggles'. And not only do we tend to find members of the opposite sex more attractive, we also find same sex people that way.

A study from Britain took 84 people and analyzed their reactions to members of the opposite sex. Some of the participants were sober, some had consumed alcohol.

(HealthDay News) -- In the days before surgery, it's important to make sure that you are physically healthy, and that your mind is relaxed and prepared.

Here are suggestions from the National Women's Health Resource Center on what to do before your operation:

* Maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Be sure to get enough vitamin C, which will help your body heal.
* Quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
* Get regular exercise.

MONDAY, Aug. 11 (HealthDay News) -- Living a healthy lifestyle can cut your risk of stroke by about 80 percent, new research suggests.

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 6 (HealthDay News) -- Americans are drinking less alcohol, with middle-aged people consuming about one-third less than 50 years ago, researchers report.

Overall, Americans are drinking less beer, but more wine, while consumption of hard liquor has remained fairly constant. Also, more people say they don't drink, and those born later in the 20th century are more moderate drinkers than their parents.

(HealthDay News) -- If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, it's important to understand the reasons for your insomnia.

Here's a list of possible reasons for your sleepless nights, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* Discomfort or illness.
* Depression.
* Stress or anxiety.
* Drinking caffeine or alcohol, smoking, or taking certain medications or illicit drugs.
* An inappropriate sleep environment, including one that's too bright or too noisy.
* Related activities that affect your sleep, such as taking naps or going to bed too early.

No doubt everyone has heard of the death of actor Heath Ledger, who overdosed on a cocktail of medications.

He is not alone - not even close. In 1983, 92 people died in their homes from mixing prescription pills with alcohol or street drugs. That number spiked to 3,792 in 2004 - an increase of 3200 percent.