Health Highlights: March 22, 2019

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

'Game of Thrones' Actress Had Two Brain Aneurysms

"Game of Thrones" actress Emilia Clarke disclosed Thursday that she's had two surgeries for brain aneurysms.

In 2011, she developed a sudden, severe headache while working out and was rushed to a hospital. Doctors discovered two brain aneurysms, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain has a weak spot that causes it to bulge and fill with blood, ABC News reported.

Aneurysms can burst and be life-threatening, because they cause bleeding in the brain.

Doctors found that one of Clarke's aneurysms had burst open, but were able to treat it with minimally invasive surgery. In 2013, routine monitoring showed that the second aneurysm had doubled in size.

During minimally invasive surgery to repair it, that aneurysm burst, forcing doctors to perform open-brain surgery on Clarke, ABC News reported.

"In my years since my second surgery I have healed beyond my most unreasonable hopes," said Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen on 'Game of Thrones,' a wildly popular fantasy series on HBO.

-----

Hill's Expands Dog Food Recall

A recall of certain canned dog food products that may contain elevated levels of vitamin D has been expanded by Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Dogs that consume elevated levels of vitamin D can cause develop symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling and weight loss. Consuming very high levels of vitamin D can sometimes lead to life-threatening problems, including kidney dysfunction.

Consumers whose dogs were fed the recalled products and developed symptoms should contact their veterinarian, Hill's advised. In most cases, dogs completely recover after they stop eating the recalled food.

The initial recall was announced Jan. 31, 2019. For more information, call Hill's at 1-800-445-5777 or go to the company's website.

-----

CBD Products Now Available at Hundreds of CVS Stores

Creams, sprays and lotions infused with the nonintoxicating hemp component cannabidiol (CBD) are now being sold at more than 800 CVS stores in eight states.

The products will be sold in store aisles, according to a company spokesman, who added that the drugstore chain is not selling any supplements or food additives containing CBD, the Chicago Tribune reported.

California, Illinois, Colorado and Alabama are among the states where stores will carry the CBD products from marijuana company Curaleaf Holdings, which has hopes to expand sales to more CVS stores.

Curaleaf operates more than 40 marijuana dispensaries across 12 states and also offers hemp-derived products including lotions, tinctures, vape pens and patches.

CBD, which does not get people high, has become a trendy wellness ingredient, the Tribune reported.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of CBD use in food or beverages.

-----

Baby Cough Syrup Recalled

One lot of DG/health NATURALS baby Cough Syrup + Mucus is being recalled due to possible contamination with potentially harmful bacteria, says maker Kingston Pharma, LLC.

The recall is for Lot KL180157 of 2-fluid ounce (59 mL) bottles with an expiration date of 11/20 and UPC Code 8 54954 00250 0. The products were shipped to Dollar General retail stores across the United States.

The problem is possible contamination with Bacillus cereus/Bacillus circulars, which can cause vomiting or diarrhea. To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled cough syrup, according to the company.

Consumers with the recalled cough syrup may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, and can call company at 1-844-724-7347 for more information.