Health Highlights: April 7, 2016

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

Country Music Icon Merle Haggard Dead at 79

Country music star Merle Haggard died Wednesday at age 79.

His manager Frank Mull said the Country Music Hall of Famer died in Palo Cedro, Calif., after a months-long battle with pneumonia in both lungs that forced him to cancel several shows this year, the AP reported.

Haggard was a skilled singer, guitarist, fiddler and songwriter. He recorded for more than 40 years and released dozens of albums. His hits included “Okie From Muskogee” and “Sing Me Back Home.”

After doctors found a spot on his lungs in 2008, Haggard said he would not seek treatment. But family and friends convinced him to change his mind and he had the tumor removed, the AP reported.

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NYC Bans Smokeless Tobacco at Sports Venues

Smokeless tobacco will be banned at New York city ballparks and other sports facilities.

The measure, to be signed into law Wednesday by Mayor Bill de Blasio, outlaws smokeless tobacco products at sports venues and recreational areas that issue tickets, including Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, the home of the Mets, CNN reported.

“It’s very important for the health of our players, and for the city as a whole,” de Blasio recently told ESPN. “Young people look up to baseball players, and they look up to all athletes, and we want to protect everyone’s health.”

New York follows San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston in banning smokeless tobacco products at ballparks and other sports venues.

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