Health roundup: Redheads' genes add to melanoma risk

Your Friday morning health roundup:

Redheads and melanoma: Doctors have long known that redheads have an increased risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and have blamed their easily-burned fair skin. Now, a study in mice suggests that the inherited pigment that gives redheads their coloring may raise their risk -- even if they religiously slather up with sunscreen and avoid the sun. But scientists say exposure to sunlight (and tanning booths) certainly makes the risk even higher. (Los Angeles Times)

Snacks at school: It's still easier to for kids to buy a candy bar than a carrot at many U.S. middle and high schools, says a new report. Researchers from Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are calling for tougher, more consistent rules on snacks sold in schools. (Reuters)

Platelets needed: Looking for a way to help victims of Sandy? Donate blood or, better yet, take the extra time (about two hours vs. 45 minutes) to donate platelets, a highly perishable blood component needed by many cancer patients and others. The American Red Cross suggests calling your local blood center for details. (NBC News)

Today's talker: Living near a smelly hog farm may be as unhealthy as it is unpleasant. A new study conducted in North Carolina found that people who lived near industrial hog operations could raise their blood pressure just by sitting outside for 10 minutes on a day when odors from the farms were particularly strong. The bumps in blood pressure were strongly associated with self-reported increases in stress -- suggesting the effect is psychological, researchers say. (MedPage Today)