Gallium — an iron-like compound — looks similar to food and can trick bacteria into eating it. Once inside, it destroys the microbes. In a new study, researchers successfully used the compound to treat lung infections in mice and humans. By distrupting their nutrition, we could kill bacteria from within. The Centers for Disease Control […]
16February
2019
Memory loss does not only occur in neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia. It also happens with age, or in relation to mental health problems, such as depression. Now, researchers have developed new compounds that could reverse this cognitive effect. Newly developed compounds may offer fresh hope for depression-related memory loss. Memory loss is not solely a bedfellow of dementia. It can also be a natural part of the aging process, however unwelcome. Memory problems also occur in people experiencing emotional distress, particularly individuals facing conditions that may include depression. For instance, a study appearing last year in the journal Neurology found that people who were exhibiting noticeable symptoms of depression also had poor episodic memory, the type of memory that recalls specific events. Recently, researchers from Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Canada have been working hard to develop new compounds able to reverse memory loss that they believe relates to depression and age progression. “Currently, there are no medications to treat cognitive symptoms such as memory loss that occur in depression, other mental illnesses, and aging,” notes study author Dr. Etienne Sibille. However, the new compounds that the researchers have tested in preclinical trials appear to reverse […]
16February
2019
Both bacterial diversity in the gut and regular exercise are important when it comes to health. But how are the two related? A new study uncovers the effect that exercise has on our health by adjusting the balance of the gut microbiome. New research finds out how exercise could support bacterial diversity in the gut. Though this may seem strange, human bodies are actually made, according to recent estimates, of about as many bacteria and other microorganisms as regular human cells. In the colon alone — the tract that contains the largest number of bacterial cells — there are approximately 38 trillion bacteria. These bacteria have important effects on the state of our health, and loss of bacterial diversity in the gut is linked to a heightened risk of disease. Now, a new study suggests that the level of a person’s physical activity may affect the bacterial diversity in their gut, and thus influence their health. In a paper that appears in the journal Experimental Physiology, the authors, from Indiana University Bloomington and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, also explain the biological mechanism that makes this possible. The link between exercise and the gut The researchers knew that cardiorespiratory […]
15February
2019
People often wonder if a fetus can hear while in the womb. Many expectant parents will speak to or play music for a developing fetus. Evidence suggests that the auditory system starts forming at the 18th week of pregnancy and continues to develop until the baby is between 5 and 6 months of age. Everything that the fetus hears will contribute to this process. In this article, we look at what a fetus can hear at different stages of development. Fetal hearing at each stage of development A fetus will develop their ability to hear while in the womb. Despite being close to a lentil in size, an embryo will begin to develop ears during the 2nd month of pregnancy. The ears start as tiny folds of skin on the sides of the head. After the 8th week, the embryo becomes a fetus. According to Mayo Clinic, the ears begin to stick out from the head at 18 weeks, and the fetus may become able to hear. At this stage, the brain starts to designate the areas that will govern smell, taste, vision, touch, and sound. By 22 to 24 weeks, the fetus will be about the size of a […]
15February
2019
Fresh research offers further information on the potential for diet drinks — that is, beverages sweetened with artificial sugar substitutes — to harm cardiovascular health. Artificially sweetened soft drinks may raise the risk of heart disease and death in postmenopausal women. A study that followed tens of thousands of postmenopausal women for more than 10 years has linked a higher consumption of diet drinks to an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and death. The link between diet drinks and stroke was strongest for strokes that arise from blocked arteries, and from smaller blood vessels in particular. The journal Stroke has now published a paper about the analysis. The lead author is Dr. Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani, an associate professor of clinical epidemiology and population health in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. Dr. Mossavar-Rahmani and her team point out that the findings do not prove that diet drinks harm the heart and circulation system. That is because the study was an observational one, and the figures on diet drink consumption came from self-reports. However, Rachel K. Johnson — who chaired the panel that wrote the science advisory from the American Heart Association (AHA) about diet drinks and […]
15February
2019
People with Alzheimer’s disease experience poor blood flow to the brain, which affects cognitive function. A new study conducted in a mouse model has finally uncovered the reason behind this reduced blood flow. Reduced blood flow to the brain contributes to Alzheimer’s, but what mechanism leads to this vascular problem in the first place? For a while now, researchers have been aware that Alzheimer’s disease goes hand in hand with vascular dysfunction, and reduced blood flow to the brain, in particular. However, it is only recently that investigators have begun to focus their efforts on understanding just how and why poor vascular health can contribute to cognitive decline in this type of dementia. A study published last month in Alzheimer’s and Dementia, the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, calls vascular dysfunction “the disregarded partner of Alzheimer’s disease.” It argues that researchers must first fully understand all the factors involved in the pathology of this type of dementia before they can develop a pluripotent treatment for it. “Individualized, targeted therapies for [Alzheimer’s disease] patients will be successful when the complexity of [this condition’s] pathophysiology is fully appreciated,” the study authors write. Now, in a study in mice, a team of investigators […]
15February
2019
New research finds that estrogen improves insulin sensitivity and details the mechanism behind this effect. The findings have a “profound impact on our understanding of obesity and diabetes, as well as potential dietary interventions,” say the researchers. The female sex hormone may have significant metabolic benefits. About 84 million people in the United States are living with prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are very high but not high enough to warrant a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Usually, prediabetes occurs in people with insulin resistance — a condition in which the cells in some vital organs do not respond well to insulin and therefore do not absorb enough glucose from the blood. But what if there was a hormone that could lower insulin resistance and the production of glucose? Researchers believe that estrogen has the potential to do so, and consequently, to reduce the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Currently, over 100 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes or prediabetes, and estimates show that over 30 million adults have type 2 diabetes. Shaodong Guo, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Texas A&M University in College Station, led […]
15February
2019
As we age, we may experience a decline in our mental ability. A recent study has concluded that chronic inflammation in midlife might speed up this decline as we get older. Could influencing inflammation slow cognitive decline? The average age of the population of the United States is gradually increasing, so conditions of old age are moving into the spotlight. Growing older is associated with a progressive decline in average thinking abilities. However, it may only affect some people very mildly, while other individuals can develop significant cognitive deficits. Understanding the risk factors involved is of growing importance. We already know some risk factors; for instance, lower levels of physical activity, smoking, and obesity appear to increase the rate of decline. Recently, some scientists have turned their attention toward the potential role of inflammation. Inflammation and its consequences As a protective mechanism that prevents any damage to tissue, inflammation occurs in response to an infection or injury. However, if this acute inflammation continues for longer periods — which doctors call chronic inflammation — it can cause damage. Scientists have already linked inflammation to a range of health concerns, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and asthma. Could inflammation also have a […]
15February
2019
A skin ulcer is an open wound that develops on the skin as a result of injury, poor circulation, or pressure. Skin ulcers can take a very long time to heal. If left untreated, they can become infected and cause other medical complications. These ulcers can form on any area of the skin. Depending on the type, they are especially common on the legs, mouth or lips, hips, and bottom. This article discusses types, symptoms, diagnosis, and home remedies for skin ulcers. What are the symptoms? Skin ulcers look like round, open sores. They range in severity and are usually minor injuries on the skin. In severe cases, ulcers can become deep wounds that extend through muscle tissue, leaving bones and joints exposed. The symptoms of skin ulcers include: discoloration of the skin itching scabbing swelling of the skin near the ulcer dry or flaky skin around the ulcer pain or tenderness near the affected area clear, bloody, or pus-filled discharge from the ulcer a foul odor coming from the area hair loss near the ulcer Types of skin ulcer People can develop the following types of skin ulcer: Venous skin ulcers Venous skin ulcers are shallow, open sores that […]
15February
2019
Humans have been making, listening, and dancing to music since time immemorial, and this art can easily soothe or amplify our emotions. New research explains what “chords” music strikes in the brain, and how it relates to certain cognitive processes, particularly learning. Music is a powerful reward that can motivate the brain to do better, researchers show. In recent years, researchers have shown more interest in how listening to music can pragmatically benefit us in numerous ways. For instance, studies such as this one, which Medical News Today covered last spring, have suggested that people with Alzheimer’s disease who face anxiety and other stressful emotions cope better when they listen to music. Listening to certain types of music may even alter our perception and change the way we see potential partners, while happy songs can help boost our creativity. In a new study, the findings of which feature in the journal PNAS, researchers from McGill University in Montreal, Canada have now shown that we can use music to activate the brain’s reward center and motivate learning in an error prediction model. “Although many authors have proposed that the intense emotions and pleasures of music result from expectancies, predictions, and their […]
14February
2019
Numbness in the fingers can have many different causes, from carpal tunnel syndrome to some types of neuropathy. In some cases, treatment may simply require a change in the way that a person uses their hands. However, medication or surgery may be necessary for cases with more complex underlying causes. This article looks at six causes of numbness in a person’s fingers, as well as the treatment options. 1. Carpal tunnel syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common causes of numbness in a person’s fingers. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), one of the most common causes of numbness in a person’s fingers is carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a passageway in the base of a person’s hand. The median nerve passes through it, and the pinching of this nerve can cause numbness, itching, or pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger. Carpal tunnel syndrome often causes the hand to go numb while a person is sleeping because of the position that they hold it in. To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a doctor will take a detailed medical history, asking about any other conditions that a […]
14February
2019
Hemp oil can refer to a full-spectrum oil from the Cannabis sativa plant or hemp seed oil, which is oil that comes from just the seeds of the hemp plant. There is very little risk of intoxication from hemp oil as all forms of hemp oil come from food-grain strains of hemp. The authors of a study in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research note that food-grain strains of hemp must contain less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the compound that causes the so-called “high” of marijuana. Hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The production of CBD oil uses the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, which contain a higher concentration of CBD, another potentially beneficial compound in the plant. Hemp seed oil comes from the small seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The seeds do not contain the same levels of compounds as the plant itself, but they still have a rich profile of nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds. Full-spectrum hemp oil that also contains plant matter may add other effective compounds, which may help with certain health issues, such as inflammation. Skin health Hemp oil contains fatty acids […]
14February
2019
Many people try to keep their diet healthful. However, thanks to marketing techniques or simply public belief, many foods that people regularly eat are actually less healthful than they seem. What is healthful and what is not may not always be clear. Even many of the foods on this list have more healthful versions available. The difference is knowing what to look for. Here are the six most unhealthful foods that people may often consider healthful. We also discuss how to make better choices when incorporating them into the diet. 1. Many breads White bread can have a high glycemic index. Natural 100 percent whole-grain bread is a very nutritious addition to many diets. Breads comprising natural whole wheat still contain the bran and germ of the kernel, which contain much of the nutrients and fiber. Many processed breads strip the bran and germ from the kernel to give the bread a smooth texture. However, this also affects the bread’s glycemic load, as the fiber in whole-grain bread helps slow down the absorption of the carbohydrates and sugars. The glycemic index (GI) measures to what extent high-carbohydrate foods raise blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association report that white bread […]
14February
2019
Arthritis is the term for a group of conditions that cause joint inflammation and pain. Although medical treatments can help, some home remedies and lifestyle changes may also reduce symptoms. In the United States, arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related diseases. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease that wears away the cushioning between the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Another common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and other parts of the body, causing uncontrolled inflammation. Arthritis of any type can cause pain and result in lasting damage to the joints. In this article, we outline some of the most effective home remedies for slowing disease progression and treating the symptoms of arthritis. 1. Aquatic exercises Aquatic exercise can relieve pressure on the joints while providing a workout. Aquatic exercises can be beneficial for people with arthritis. Water provides resistance, which helps increase exercise intensity. At the same time, the buoyancy that the water provides helps support body weight, relieving pressure on the joints. A 2015 scientific review […]
14February
2019
Many people see love as the pinnacle of human existence, and some equate it with happiness itself. But sometimes, being “lovesick” can feel exactly like that — an illness. In fact, romantic love can bring about many adverse psychological effects, and in this Spotlight feature, we take a look at what they are. Love is not always an all-round positive, happy feeling. On Valentine’s day, people around the world dwell on the positive and beautiful aspects of romantic love. They celebrate the value that this unique feeling brings to human existence and the central role it plays in our search for happiness. Furthermore, science shows that the neurophysiological benefits of being in love are numerous. A few years ago, we wrote a Spotlight feature on the positive health effects that being in a relationship brings. From relieving pain, lowering blood pressure, easing stress, and generally improving one’s cardiovascular health, love and being in a relationship have associations with a wide range of health benefits. But if love was nothing more than positive feelings, warming sensations, and feel-good chemicals, we probably would not apply words such as “smitten” or “lovesick” to describe the intense effects of this emotion. On this Valentine’s […]
14February
2019
Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the soft tissues within the eye socket. It is a serious condition that, without treatment, can lead to permanent vision loss and life-threatening complications. Orbital cellulitis, which is sometimes called postseptal cellulitis, can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects young children. The infection develops behind the orbital septum, a thin membrane that covers the front of the eyeball. Periorbital, or preseptal, cellulitis refers to infections that occur in front of the orbital septum. Periorbital cellulitis can spread to the skin around the eye and the eyelid. This condition is less serious than orbital cellulitis but still requires immediate treatment. In this article, we discuss the symptoms and causes of orbital cellulitis. We also cover the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of this condition. Symptoms Orbital cellulitis is a serious infection that affects the fat and muscle tissues within the eye socket, or orbit. The infection causes inflammation that can push the eye out of the socket. Pain, swelling, and proptosis, which is the protrusion or forward displacement of the eye, are common symptoms of orbital cellulitis. Other symptoms of orbital cellulitis can include: limited eye movement or pain when trying to move […]
14February
2019
New research involving Australian women aged 45 years and over found that the majority of this cohort believes that there is not a significant link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. That could not be less true, the investigators warn. Women should be more aware of the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk, warn the authors of a new study. The World Health Organization (WHO) note that breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in women across the world. Many factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, some of which are nonmodifiable — chiefly age and sex — and some of which a person can act upon, including a lack of physical activity or being overweight. Another proven risk is alcohol consumption, with one major report warning that a single alcoholic drink per day can boost a person’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. Despite this, it seems that numerous women over the age of 45 years, who are those most at risk of developing this type of cancer, continue to ignore specialists’ warnings that they should reduce their alcohol consumption. At least, that is the conclusion of a recent study that recruited a […]
14February
2019
Keeping blood glucose at a healthy level reduces the risk of developing diabetes. But until now, reducing high glucose levels has focused on limiting carb and calorie intake, rather than on how individuals respond to different foods. How blood sugar levels respond to different foods varies from person to person. The number of people in the United States who receive a diagnosis of diabetes continues to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 9.4 percent of the U.S. population had diabetes in 2015. Some sources estimate that about 40 percent of U.S. adults have prediabetes. This condition is characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels and may lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Experts are always looking for ways to prevent the onset of the condition. Reducing blood sugar — or blood glucose — levels is the primary method. Typically, this involves controlling diet with a specific focus on lowering calorie and carbohydrate intake. Not only can this prevent diabetes, but it can also reduce a person’s risk of obesity and heart or kidney disease. However, new research has shown that taking a more individualized approach may produce better results. “The current […]
14February
2019
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A contagious cancer that has almost decimated the Tasmanian devil population probably won’t drive the species into extinction, a new study suggests. Latest Cancer News Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) kills most of the animals it infects and has led to an 80 percent decrease in the number of wild devils since the disease was first identified in 1996. But “our findings suggest that immediate management interventions are unlikely to be necessary to ensure the survival of Tasmanian devil populations,” said research leader Konstans Wells, from Swansea University in Wales. “With growing evidence that devils are showing signs of adaptation to DFTD and that so far the disease has not caused local extinctions, management actions targeted at understanding the devil’s adaptive strategies to cope with DFTD should be considered,” added study co-author Rodrigo Hamede, from the University of Tasmania. Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials, weighing about 13 to 26 pounds. DFTD, which causes tumors to form on the face and neck of the animal, is spread when the devils bite each other in the face during fighting. Affected devils die within six to 24 months. In the study, the scientists compared field […]
14February
2019
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Sleep News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sure, he may snore. She may steal the covers. But if a relationship is solid, your partner will help you sleep better this Valentine’s Day and far into the future, a new study suggests. Good relationships in early adulthood seemed to lead to less disruptive life events, which in turn appeared to lead to better sleep years later, researchers report. “Your partners can have a huge impact on your stress and health behaviors. They can be a source of stress or a reducer of stress,” explained study author Chloe Huelsnitz. She’s a Ph.D. candidate in the department of psychology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. So, how does being in a satisfying partnership affect sleep? Are people more content, or is a good relationship just a sign that you have better people skills that help reduce your stress throughout life? “It’s probably a bit of both,” Huelsnitz said, though the study could not prove that a good relationship caused sleep quality to improve. She explained that if you can have a good relationship, you probably have good interpersonal skills. And if you get along well […]
14February
2019
(HealthDay News) — Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that’s triggered by your immune system mistakenly viewing hair follicles as threats to your health. Latest Skin News This can trigger patchy hair loss on the head, complete hair loss on the head or the loss of body hair, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The condition — for which there is no cure — is most common among children and adults in their early 20s. The AAFP says you should ask your doctor: How much hair should I lose before you and I become concerned? I have a parent who had the condition. Is there a genetic test that will determine if I will get it? Do certain diseases or conditions raise a person’s risk for developing alopecia areata? Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
14February
2019
Latest Skin News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you have tattoos, it’s probably safe to get an MRI scan, European researchers say. While millions of people with tattoos have MRIs every year without side effects, some adverse reactions have been reported. Researchers said there had been no systematic studies of how safe it is for people with tattoos to have an MRI. Reported side effects include a pulling sensation on tattooed skin because tattoo ink can contain pigments that are magnetic and interact with the MRI’s strong magnetic fields. Tattoos may also absorb energy that would ordinarily be spread out, increasing burn risk, according to study researcher Nikolaus Weiskopf. He’s director of the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig, Germany. Weiskopf and study authors from University College London examined 330 volunteers before and after an MRI, testing 932 tattoos in all. Volunteers sported various colors of ink, but most tattoos were black. To ensure participants’ safety from potential burns, there were limits on the size and number of tattoos. A single tattoo could not exceed about 8 inches in size, and no more than 5 percent of a volunteer’s body could be […]
14February
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Sexual Health News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A global study about what men and women want in a mate seems to confirm — to a point — long-established stereotypes. Men still go for looks — in general they said their preference is for a partner who is younger and physically attractive. Women said they’d prefer an older partner who’s ambitious and has good financial prospects. The researchers, from the University of Texas at Austin, explained that these responses, which came from 10,000 participants in 33 countries, can probably be traced back to the respective mating challenges men and women faced throughout the course of human evolution. On a more positive note, both sexes do gravitate toward some of the same less superficial traits — a pleasant disposition, good social skills, and similar politics and religious beliefs. Another study with an international team of researchers found that men and women approach relationships in another similar way: They’re both influenced by deal breakers, or perceived negative traits, and deal makers, the traits that they find most appealing. Both sexes process these pros and cons simultaneously when they meet someone new and apply higher standards […]
14February
2019
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Pregnancy News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — In the race to conception, the female body is set up to separate weak sperm from strong, researchers report. A woman’s reproductive system presents a veritable obstacle course that stress-tests sperm, making sure that only the strongest swimmers have a chance of reaching a woman’s egg, according to a new study. Narrow gate-like passages within the female reproductive tract force competing sperm to barge their way through, ensuring that weak and less viable sperm are left behind, the researchers explained. “It’s survival of the fastest swimmers,” said Dr. Harry Fisch, a clinical professor of urology and reproductive medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Fisch was not involved in the study. “The ones that are swimming properly and … can make it through the openings of the female reproductive system are the ones with the best chance of fertilization,” he explained. This new knowledge will help couples struggling to conceive a baby, either by giving natural conception a boost or by improving the process of in vitro fertilization, reproductive medicine experts said. Sperm count has been an ongoing focus of reproductive medicine, but […]
14February
2019
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Pregnancy News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Pumped breast milk might not be quite as good as milk that comes directly from Mom’s breast, a new study suggests. Researchers found that breast milk from women who pumped tended to have more potentially bad bacteria — and less abundance and diversity of friendly germs — than milk from women who only fed their infants from the breast. The study is the latest step in a newer area of research: What determines the makeup of bacteria in breast milk, and what are the potential effects on babies‘ health? “Until about 10 years ago, it was assumed that breast milk is sterile,” explained senior researcher Meghan Azad. However, the human body is teeming with resident bacteria and other germs. And research is beginning to illuminate how those “bugs” — particularly ones in the gut — affect body processes and disease risks. Some of those studies have focused on breast milk, finding that it actually contains an abundance of bacteria, according to Azad. But that leaves a lot of questions unanswered, including: Where do those bacteria come from? And what factors make breast milk from one woman […]
14February
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Mental Health News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Everyone has certain personality strengths that make them unique. For instance, you might be the type of person who loves to nurture others or who always tells it like it is and is known for your honesty. Studies on human psychology have found that developing your unique set of strengths can lead to happiness and even help overcome depression. But research has also shown that, all too often, rather than capitalizing on their strengths, people are more motivated to try to fix what they see as weaknesses. That could amount to wasted energy and might not even be desirable. Neglecting your strengths can cause them to fade. This can be true for a trait like kindness as well as one like creativity. On the other hand, developing strengths with what experts call “positive psychology interventions” leads to personal growth. The idea is to use one or more strengths in a new way every week through activities that lead to positive feelings, behaviors or thoughts. To get started, make a list of your strengths. The ones you put at the top of your list — those […]
14February
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Social media is now a key part of American youngsters’ lives, so parents need to provide guidance and rules to help them enjoy its benefits and protect them from potential dangers, experts say. Social media can help kids connect and find others who share their interests and concerns, SAY specialists at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Health Network, which comprises more than 160 pediatricians. But those benefits come with potential threats. Among them: cyberbullying and cyberstalking, exposure to inappropriate content, distraction from homework, social isolation, privacy issues, and anxiety caused by unrealistic comparisons with others. While kids can have social media accounts starting at age 13, it’s best to keep them off social media for as long as possible, said Dr. Bhavana Arora, medical director of the network. When children do start using social media, parents should talk with them about rules and privacy settings. Parents who are unfamiliar with the sites or apps their children are using should learn about them. Parents also need to lead by example, putting their phones aside and spending time with their kids, said Dr. Jennifer Hartstein, whose practice is part of the […]
14February
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you think that sibling rivalry can border on brutality at times, you won’t be surprised by new research from British scientists. They found that children are more likely to be bullied by a sibling if they have more than one, and firstborn children and older brothers are most likely to bully siblings, a new study finds. “Sibling bullying is the most frequent form of family violence, and it is often seen as a normal part of growing up by parents and health professionals, but there is increasing evidence that it can have long-term consequences, like increased loneliness, delinquency and mental health problems,” said lead study author Dieter Wolke, from the University of Warwick in England. He and his team analyzed data from more than 6,800 British children born in 1991 and 1992 to assess bullying when the children were aged 5 and 12. Bullying was defined as psychological (saying nasty or hurtful things), physical (hitting, kicking or pushing) or emotional (ignoring a sibling, telling lies or spreading false rumors). About 28 percent of the children were involved in sibling bullying, and psychological abuse was the most common form. […]
14February
2019
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Healthy Kids News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Pot may be particularly dangerous for the teenaged brain, a new review suggests. Not only were those who smoked marijuana more likely to suffer depression and suicidal thoughts, they were also more than three times as likely to attempt suicide between the ages of 18 and 32. What isn’t clear from the review is why. Does marijuana (cannabis) somehow affect the developing teen brain? Or might teens who were later diagnosed with depression or who later attempted suicide have been using the drug to self-medicate? Regardless, teens and preteens “should avoid using cannabis, as use is associated with a significant increased risk of developing depression or suicidality in young adulthood,” the Canadian researchers wrote. In the United States, pot use is growing exponentially, the study authors noted. Between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013, the number of people aged 18 to 29 who used marijuana in the past year jumped from almost 11 percent to more than 21 percent. Among U.S. high school seniors, about 7 percent said they smoked pot daily, according to background information in the report. In the Canadian review, researchers led by Dr. Gabriella […]
14February
2019
By Alan MozesHealthDay Reporter Latest Heart News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Older women, beware: New research warns that drinking a lot of diet sodas or artificially sweetened fruit juices may increase your risk for stroke. In a study that tracked nearly 82,000 postmenopausal women, those who drank two or more diet drinks per day saw their overall stroke risk rise by 23 percent, compared with those who consumed diet drinks less than once a week. Blocked arteries were often the main culprit, with heavy diet drink consumption linked to a 31 percent greater risk for an ischemic stroke, which is triggered by a clot, the study findings showed. Study author Yasmin Mossavar-Rahmani acknowledged that an “association does not imply causation.” But she stressed that the findings held up even after taking into account the nutritional value of each participant’s overall diet. So, “we can’t assume these diet drinks are harmless, particularly when consumed at high levels,” Mossavar-Rahmani said. “The take-home message is that these findings give us pause,” she added. “We need to do more research on why we are seeing these associations. What are the scientific mechanisms? Is there something about the artificial sweeteners, for example, […]
14February
2019
What should you know about gastritis? What is the medical definition of gastritis? Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic. What are the signs and symptoms of gastritis? Some people with gastritis may not have any symptoms; however, both acute and chronic gastritis may have symptoms and signs of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally, belching, bloating, loss of appetite and indigestion. What causes gastritis? A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the two main causes of gastritis; however, there are many other causes of the condition, for example, infectious agents, autoimmune problems, diseases like Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, and isolated granulomatosis gastritis. How do you know if you have gastritis? Gastritis can be diagnosed by the your symptoms and history (for example, NSAID and/or alcohol consumption), or by breath, blood, stool, immunological, and biopsy tests to detect H. pylori, and other tests like endoscopy or radiologic studies demonstrate mucosal changes. What is the treatment for gastritis? The treatment for gastritis varies according to the cause. Other less common causes may be treated similarly, but do not treat the underlying cause. Is there a diet […]
14February
2019
Latest Digestion News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Downing the wrong type of drink when you exercise could put you at risk of kidney disease, a new study warns. Specifically, the threat is from having sugary, caffeinated soft drinks during exertion in a hot environment, according to researchers at the University at Buffalo in New York. The small study included 12 healthy adults who did long stretches of exercise in a laboratory setting replicating a 95-degree day. In one session, the study participants drank a high-fructose, caffeinated soft drink, and in the other, they drank water. At least seven days passed between sessions. After the session in which they were given the soft drink, participants had higher levels of creatinine in the blood and a lower “glomerular filtration rate” — both of which are markers for kidney injury. These temporary changes did not occur when participants drank water during exercise, the researchers said in a news release from the American Physiological Society. The investigators also found that during and after drinking the soft drink, participants had higher blood levels of vasopressin, a hormone that raises blood pressure. They also were mildly dehydrated, noted study corresponding author Zachary Schlader, […]
14February
2019
An expert panel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has endorsed a drug for major depressive disorder that is a close relative to the club drug ketamine, or “Special K.” Latest Depression News Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic used in hospitals, though recent research has shown it may help those whose depression resists treatment. If approved by the FDA, the new drug known as esketamine would be available to patients who haven’t found relief with at least two other antidepressants. The Tuesday vote was 14-2, with one member abstaining, according to CNN. The FDA does not have to follow the recommendations of its expert panels, but it typically does. A decision is expected in early March. Made by Janssen, a division of Johnson & Johnson, esketamine is a nasal spray medication that targets different pathways in the brain than other antidepressants do. Unlike antidepressants that can take four to six weeks to take effect, esketamine’s benefits can be felt within hours or days, the FDA said. That makes it likely that esketamine might be used effectively in conjunction with an antidepressant, the agency added. Depression can be tricky to treat, with between 30 and 40 percent of those with […]
14February
2019
Latest Cancer News THURSDAY, Feb. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to high levels of the pesticide DDT increases breast cancer risk — but when the cancer surfaces depends on when women first came in contact with the chemical, researchers say. “What we have learned is that timing really matters,” said lead author Barbara Cohn, from the California-based Public Health Institute. “We know that if harmful exposures occur at times when breast tissue is rapidly changing, such as during puberty, they impact breast development in ways that can later result in cancer,” added Cohn. The breast cancer diagnoses tended to occur about 40 years after exposure to DDT, her team concluded. DDT was widely used in agriculture until it was banned in the United States in 1972, and banned in many countries in the 1970s. Many women and girls in the United States were exposed to the pesticide. The youngest of them are now reaching the age of increased breast cancer risk. For this study, researchers looked at more than 15,500 women in California who participated in the institute’s Child Health and Development Studies for nearly six decades. Levels of DDT exposure were determined by analyzing stored blood samples taken […]
13February
2019
Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are psychiatric conditions that have some common traits, but also key differences. Bipolar disorder causes shifts in mood, energy levels, and thinking. Schizophrenia causes a person to appear to lose touch with reality. People with bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania and depression, often separated by periods of relative stability. Individuals with schizophrenia experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions. Some people with bipolar disorder also experience psychotic symptoms. Because of some overlap in symptoms, getting the right diagnosis can be challenging. Also, a person can have both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which can complicate diagnosis. Some people have schizoaffective disorder, which involves a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and those of a mood disorder. In this article, we look at the similarities and differences between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. We also discuss methods of diagnosis and treatment options. Symptoms of bipolar disorder People with bipolar disorder experience extreme changes in mood. Symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia vary and can differ in type and severity. They may get worse, then significantly improve or go away for a period, which some doctors call remission. People with bipolar disorder experience extremes in mood. Doctors may […]
13February
2019
Cloudy urine can be unsettling, especially when a person does not know the cause. Sometimes it can signal an issue with the urinary tract, such as dehydration or a urinary tract infection, or it may point to kidney problems. Each underlying cause of cloudy urine has additional symptoms, which can help a doctor make a diagnosis. In this article, learn about the possible causes of cloudy urine, as well as how to treat them. Causes Causes of cloudy urine can include: 1. Dehydration Drinking more fluids may help treat cloudy urine. Cloudy urine, especially if it is dark, could indicate that a person is not consuming enough liquids. Very young or very old people have a higher risk of dehydration. Also, anyone fighting off an illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting, or a fever will need to drink more fluids. Those who do strenuous exercise or physical labor during hot days may also have a higher risk for dehydration if they are not drinking enough water. Dehydration can cause cloudy urine in some people, as well as other symptoms, including: dark yellow or orange urine fatigue confusion or difficulty concentrating dizziness dry mouth and a feeling of intense thirst dry eyes […]
13February
2019
Eating more fruit is an excellent way to improve overall health and reduce the risk of disease. Fruits are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, and they are high in fiber. Fruits also provide a wide range of health-boosting antioxidants, including flavonoids. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes. Citrus fruits and berries may be especially powerful for preventing disease. A 2014 study ranked “powerhouse” fruit and vegetables by high nutrient density and low calories. Lemons came out top of the list, followed by strawberry, orange, lime, and pink and red grapefruit. In this article, we look at the nutrition and the many and varied health benefits of these and other fruits you can find in the supermarket. 1. Lemons Lemons contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that benefit health. Lemons are a citrus fruit that people often use in traditional remedies because of their health benefits. Like other citrus fruits, they contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential for human health. These compounds mop up free radicals in the body that can damage the body’s cells and lead to diseases, such […]
13February
2019
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders currently lists five types: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, other specified bipolar and related disorders, and unspecified bipolar and related disorders. In the United States, about 4.4 percent of adults experience bipolar disorder at some point. People with bipolar disorder tend to have moods marked by highs and lows, or periods of mania and depression. The duration and intensity of these episodes enable health professionals to determine which subtype of bipolar disorder a person has. Types of bipolar disorder A medical professional can diagnose the type of bipolar a person may have. The categories include: Bipolar I disorder: This involves manic episodes lasting 7 days or more, or severe mania that requires hospitalization. The person may also experience a major depressive episode that lasts 2 weeks or more. A person does not have to experience this type of episode to receive a bipolar I diagnosis. Bipolar II disorder: This features both mania and depression, but the mania is less severe than in bipolar I, and doctors call it hypomania. A person with bipolar II may experience a major depressive episode preceding or following a […]
13February
2019
Fever-like symptoms and inflammation around a cesarean delivery, or C-section, wound could be signs of infection. Keeping the wound clean and in a sterile environment can help reduce the risk of infection. Infections following a cesarean delivery, which some people call a C-section, are common. They occur in around 2–15 percent of all C-section surgeries. The wound coming into contact with bacteria or other harmful microbes is a common cause of these infections. Different causes can lead to different types of infection, such as cellulitis or urinary tract infections. This article will discuss signs of C-section wound infections, as well as some prevention tips. Signs Although wound infection is common, there are ways to help prevent infection following a C-section. After a C-section, it is normal to experience some swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. In some cases, clear fluid may also seep out of the wound. However, with wound infections, these symptoms increase in intensity. Signs and symptoms to look out for include: abnormal swelling, redness, and pain around the wound clear or discolored fluid coming from the wound abnormal vaginal bleeding pain or swelling in the legs abdominal discomfort These symptoms may occur with fever-like symptoms such […]
13February
2019
An international team of scientists has uncovered molecular evidence of how exercise benefits metabolism and health through its effect on fat. The evidence reveals that fat plays an active role in the process. New research offers a molecular explanation of why exercise has a positive effect on metabolism. The finding follows earlier work in which the researchers were the first to show that exercise prompts fat tissue to release molecules that regulate metabolism. Now, in a new paper that appears in the journal Nature Metabolism, they describe how they identified one of these molecules and investigated its activity. The molecule is a protein called transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) and the study concerns its effects on glucose and fatty acid metabolism. Using mice, the researchers demonstrated that exercise stimulated fat cells to release TGF-beta 2, which improved glucose tolerance. In addition, treating sedentary mice with TGF-beta 2 reversed “the detrimental metabolic effects of high-fat feeding” in the animals. “The fact,” says corresponding study author Laurie J. Goodyear, Ph.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA, “that a single protein has such important and dramatic effects was quite impressive.” Adipokine improves glucose tolerance TGF-beta 2 […]
13February
2019
The symptoms of many conditions include difficulty breathing, which can be mild or severe. A person who is having difficulty breathing feels short of breath, has trouble inhaling or exhaling, or feels as though they cannot get enough oxygen. Very often, people experience trouble breathing after exercising or when they feel anxious. In some cases, breathing difficulties can signal a medical condition, so it is essential to work out the cause. In this article, we look at the possible reasons why people might experience difficulty breathing. We also cover the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this symptom. Colds or flu Inflamed airways and a stuffy nose can make breathing more difficult. People with a common cold or the flu may have difficulty breathing. These illnesses cause the following symptoms, which can make breathing more difficult: When a cold, flu, or chest infection is the cause of breathing difficulties, the symptoms should clear up when the illness resolves. Learn how to ease the symptoms of a cold here. Anxiety Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including shortness of breath or breathing difficulties. A person’s breath is likely to return to normal once their anxiety eases. Other symptoms of anxiety include: feeling nervous […]
13February
2019
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Four muscles attach to the bones of the shoulder joint, and these form the rotator cuff. Performing certain rotator cuff exercises can help prevent injury to this part of the body. The rotator cuff has many functions. The muscles do the following: center the upper arm bone in the socket of the shoulder joint and hold it there power arm and shoulder movements The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It is possible to misuse or overuse the joint, which makes it very easy to injure the rotator cuff and other parts of the shoulder. People can help prevent injuries by doing exercises to keep the rotator cuff muscles strong and flexible. Rotator cuff injuries Some sports, such as tennis or baseball, can cause rotator cuff injuries. Most rotator cuff injuries are overuse injuries from repetitive overhead motions. People who are prone to rotator cuff injuries include athletes who play baseball or tennis and people with jobs, such as house painting or construction, that require repetitive overhead motions. Rotator cuff overuse often leads to rotator cuff impingement, which is the pinching […]
13February
2019
A new phase I/II open-label, dose-escalation trial has recently tested the effectiveness of a “Trojan horse” drug in treating multiple types of otherwise treatment-resistant cancer in its late stages. A new clinical trial assesses the safety and effectiveness of an innovative drug against multiple cancers at an advanced stage. Recently, a team of experts from The Institute of Cancer Research in London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust — both in the United Kingdom — has conducted a phase I/II clinical trial of a newly developed anticancer drug called tisotumab vedotin (TV). To make the novel compound, scientists attached a toxic substance to an antibody that targets the “tissue factor” receptor, a protein that is abundant on the surface of numerous cancer cells and the presence of which predicts poor survival rates. TV acts by concealing the toxic agent to allow it to enter cancer cells and then releasing the substance within these cells. “What is so exciting about this treatment is that its mechanism of action is completely novel — it acts like a Trojan horse to sneak into cancer cells and kill them from the inside. Our early study shows that it has the potential to treat […]
13February
2019
What are the treatments for esophageal cancer? The approach to cancer treatment is individualized to each patient’s situation. Recommended treatments depend on the stage and health of the patient. A team of physicians will help decide with the patient and family what might be the best approach to their specific situation. These providers may include specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgery, in addition to the patient’s primary care provider. Esophageal cancer is often found in older patients who have other underlying illnesses that complicate treatment. Esophageal cancer is usually diagnosed late in the course of the disease because symptoms often occur only after a tumor has grown and potentially spread. Most often, if the patient can tolerate it, treatment consists of a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network maintains up-to-date guidelines based upon ongoing clinical trials that allow cancer specialists to offer treatment advice to patients and family. Surgery The decision to undergo surgery and the type of surgery that might be appropriate depends upon the type of esophageal carcinoma (squamous cell or adenocarcinoma), its staging, and the underlying health of the patient. Some patients are high-risk for surgery and anesthesia because […]
13February
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Sexual Health News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many drugs — both prescription and over-the-counter — can cause side effects like dizziness or upset stomach. But some can affect you in surprising ways, like causing problems with your sex life. Sexual side effects are wide-ranging. You might lose interest in sex, have difficulty becoming aroused or achieving orgasm. Or, if you’re a woman, you may experience pain because of vaginal dryness. Men can have trouble getting or keeping an erection. Some over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants, and even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation. In terms of prescription medications, the many categories of antidepressants and other mental health drugs, like antipsychotics, can cause any and all types of sexual problems, not just erectile dysfunction. Other Suspect Drugs If you’re experiencing sexual issues that aren’t directly connected to a health problem and think a drug may be the culprit, review medications with your doctor, especially if the sexual problems coincided with the start of a new drug regimen. You may feel embarrassed, but keep in mind that this is a situation your doctor has certainly addressed before and he […]
13February
2019
(HealthDay News) — When a person truly needs an antibiotic, the benefits of taking one outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Latest Prevention & Wellness News But is an antibiotic always needed? The CDC offers this information: Antibiotics are not effective on viruses, such as a cold or the flu. An antibiotic will only treat an infection that’s bacterial, not viral or fungal. If an antibiotic is overprescribed or prescribed for an illness that is not bacterial, it raises the risk of producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This occurs when bacteria mutate to become immune to an antibiotic’s bacteria-killing effects. Never stop taking an antibiotic just because you’re feeling better. The infection you’re trying to eliminate may not be altogether gone, creating the potential for re-development of the infection that could be resistant to the antibiotic you’ve been taking. Antibiotics also can have side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, diarrhea and yeast infections. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
13February
2019
Women at risk for depression during and after pregnancy should receive certain types of counseling in order to prevent it, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says. Latest Pregnancy News In a recommendation published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the task force said its review of available evidence showed that women who received one of two forms of counseling were 39 percent less likely than those who didn’t to develop perinatal depression, The New York Times reported. One type is cognitive behavioral therapy that helps women manage their feelings and expectations to create healthy, supportive settings for their children. The other type is interpersonal therapy that includes coping skills and role-playing exercises to help deal with stress and relationship conflicts. The government panel of health experts gave this recommendation a “B” rating, meaning that under the Affordable Care Act, this counseling should be covered without co-payments, The Times reported. Perinatal depression is the most common complication of pregnancy, estimated to affect between 180,000 and 800,000 American mothers each year and up to 13 percent of women worldwide. This is the first time that any method has been scientifically recommended to prevent perinatal depression, which occurs in as […]
13February
2019
Latest Mental Health News WEDNESDAY, Feb. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — By itself, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn’t raise the risk of heart disease for U.S. veterans, a new study finds. “Instead, a combination of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders and smoking — that are more common in patients with PTSD versus without PTSD — appear to explain the association between PTSD and developing cardiovascular disease,” said study author Jeffrey Scherrer. He’s research director in the department of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri. For the study, Scherrer and his colleagues analyzed health records of more than 2,500 veterans with PTSD and more than 1,600 without PTSD. The veterans were aged 30 to 70 and had not been diagnosed with heart disease in the previous 12 months. The study participants were followed for at least three years. During that time, veterans with PTSD were 41 percent more likely to develop circulatory and heart disease than those without PTSD. Those with PTSD had significantly higher rates of smoking, depression, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than those without PTSD, the investigators found. However, no single condition explained […]
13February
2019
An Ohio teen went against his mother’s wishes and got vaccinated against the flu, hepatitis, tetanus and HPV. Latest Healthy Kids News High school senior Ethan Lindenberger said his parents’ misguided anti-vaccine beliefs put him, and his younger siblings, at risk, CBS News reported. In November, the 18-year-old went on the online message board Reddit to ask where he could get up to date with his vaccinations. “My parents are kind of stupid,” he wrote. “God knows how I’m still alive.” Despite Lindenberger showing his parents scientific studies proving that vaccines were safe and effective, his mother remained unconvinced. Lindenberger got his vaccinations in December, CBS News reported. There is no federal law requiring children to be immunized, but only seven states and Washington D.C. allow minors to get vaccinations without parental consent. At age 18, Lindenberger was old enough to get the vaccinations without his parents’ permission. Lindenberger’s 16-year-old brother is now considering also getting his shots, but will have to wait until he’s older, CBS News reported. Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
13February
2019
Latest Hearing News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Dementia is hard to predict, but hearing loss might signal a higher risk, a new study suggests. The eight-year study adds to growing evidence of a link between hearing loss and mental decline. But don’t panic if you no longer can hear the doorbell. The study only points to an association, not cause and effect. “Our findings show that hearing loss is associated with new onset of subjective cognitive concerns which may be indicative of early stage changes in [mental function],” said lead author Dr. Sharon Curhan. She’s a physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston. “Dementia is a substantial public health challenge that continues to grow. There is no cure, and effective treatments to prevent progression or reverse the course of dementia are lacking,” Curhan said in a hospital news release. These findings may help identify people at greater risk, she added. The study included more than 10,000 men, 62 and older, who were asked about their mental (cognitive) functioning in 2008, 2012 and 2016. The answers were subjective. Still, compared to those without hearing loss, risk of mental decline was 30 percent higher among men with mild hearing […]
13February
2019
Latest Digestion News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — It’s safe to use antiviral drugs to treat hepatitis C in liver cancer survivors, a new study reports. The findings contradict previous research suggesting that antiviral drugs might increase these patients’ risk of liver cancer recurrence. That prior research involved a single-center study from Spanish investigators in 2016 that “gained a lot of press and sparked fear about treating liver cancer patients for their hepatitis C,” said Dr. Amit Singal. He is medical director of the liver tumor program at UT Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas. “Based on these new data, providers can feel reassured that it is safe to treat hepatitis C in these patients and allow them to receive the known benefits of hepatitis C therapy,” Singal said in a center news release. For the new study, researchers examined the medical records of patients who’d been successfully treated for liver cancer at 31 medical centers in North America. The investigators compared liver cancer recurrence in those who were and were not given direct-acting antivirals, such as Harvoni or Sovaldi, for hepatitis C. The cancer recurrence rates were 42 percent among those who received the antiviral drugs and 59 […]
13February
2019
Latest Cold and Flu News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Flu season is reaching its peak in the United States, which means emergency departments could fast become crowded with people who really aren’t sick enough to be there. Healthy people who have flu-like symptoms such as high fever, muscle or body aches, exhaustion and loss of appetite should not go to the emergency department, according to medical experts at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). “If you have all of those classic flu-like symptoms, it’s really best to either see or call your primary care provider or visit an urgent care clinic,” said Dr. Stephen Russell, an associate professor of internal medicine and pediatrics. “Most healthy adolescents and adults without chronic illnesses can be treated quickly and most effectively this way, and it won’t put a strain on city and community emergency departments, which typically care for acute and severely injured patients,” Russell explained in a university news release. When otherwise healthy patients with flu-like symptoms go to emergency departments, it causes overcrowding and delays care for all patients, he added. It also puts ER patients with weakened immune systems, and even health staff and visitors, at […]
13February
2019
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Cancer News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many more American men are now saying no to surgery for low-risk prostate cancer, and choosing to monitor the disease instead, a new study finds. Over just five years, researchers found, the number of men who opted for monitoring tripled — from 14 percent of patients in 2010, to 42 percent in 2015. The shift followed new guidelines advocating “active surveillance” as an option for men with low-risk prostate cancer. That refers to small, slow-growing tumors that are unlikely to progress to the point of threatening a man’s life. Active surveillance involves periodic blood tests and exams, and possibly biopsies, to see if the cancer is progressing. Treatment might eventually be recommended, or it might never be necessary. Cancer experts said the turning tide is good news. “In medicine, change generally happens very slowly,” said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society. “So, in my view, this is a very rapid shift we’re seeing. I think it’s remarkable.” Lichtenfeld, who was not involved in the study, said his “hat is off” to the doctors who’ve embraced the change. Prostate cancer is common: […]
12February
2019
Most people experience colds or the flu from time to time. However, there are some proven ways to reduce the chances of becoming infected. Although most cold and flu infections occur during the fall and winter seasons, the viruses responsible for these illnesses are present year-round. Fighting off a viral infection takes its toll on most people, causing them to miss days at work and valuable time with their friends and families. In this article, we describe eight evidence-based ways to avoid getting sick, so people can maintain their health and make the most of their time. 1. Getting vaccinated Getting vaccinated offers the strongest protection against seasonal flu infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against seasonal flu infections. The flu occurs when a person becomes infected with an influenza virus. Flu vaccines contain influenza antigens, which signal the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies can protect against invading flu viruses and keep people from getting sick. There are four types of influenza virus, all of which can mutate throughout the year. These mutations can reduce the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines. If the vaccine is […]
12February
2019
Salivary stones are small stones that form in the glands of the mouth. They can block the flow of saliva and cause pain or discomfort. The medical term for salivary stones is sialoliths. When they block the salivary glands, this is known as sialolithiasis. Salivary stones are rarely a cause for concern, and people can often get rid of them at home. However, some stones may require treatment from a doctor. In this article, we explain what salivary stones are and discuss their symptoms and causes. We also explore home remedies, when to see a doctor, medical treatment, and possible complications. What are salivary stones? Salivary stones can form in the ducts of any salivary gland.Image credit: James Heilman, MD, 2012 The salivary glands in the mouth produce a liquid called saliva. Saliva protects the teeth, helps with chewing and swallowing food, and initiates the process of digestion. The mouth contains hundreds of minor, or small, salivary glands. There are also three pairs of major, or large, salivary glands. These large glands include the: parotid glands, which sit below the ears on the inside of the cheeks submandibular glands at the bottom of the mouth near the jawline sublingual glands, […]
12February
2019
Eating certain foods while limiting others can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthful proteins can have significant benefits for people with diabetes. Balancing certain foods can help maintain health, improve overall well-being, and prevent future complications. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or dietitian, can work with people who have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes to find the most beneficial food choices that work for them. This article looks at some of the best foods for people with diabetes to eat, as well as which foods to limit or balance in the diet. Diet for diabetes People with diabetes can manage their blood sugar levels by making beneficial food choices. Living with diabetes does not have to mean feeling deprived. People can learn to balance meals and make healthful food choices while still including the foods they enjoy. Both sugary and starchy carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels, but people can choose to include these foods in the right portions as part of a balanced meal plan. For those with diabetes, it is important to monitor the total amount of carbohydrates in a meal. Carbohydrate needs […]
12February
2019
New research in the Journal of Biological Chemistry breaks down the process through which tau tangles grow as long as they do. The findings may lead to new therapies that target the formation of tau aggregates in Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers knew that Alzheimer’s-related tau aggregates consisted of a small number of long tau fibrils. One of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease is the so-called tau tangles. Tau is a protein contained within the axons of the nerve cells. More specifically, tau helps form microtubules — essential structures that transport nutrients within nerve cells. In a healthy brain, the tau protein helps these microtubules remain straight and strong. But in Alzheimer’s, tau collapses into aggregates called tangles. When this happens, the microtubules can no longer sustain the transport of nutrients and other essential substances in the nerve cells, which eventually leads to cell death. How toxic and damaging these tau tangles can be, and how far they can spread, depends on their length. However, until now, scientists did not know why some tau tangles are longer than others in Alzheimer’s, or how these aggregates grow so long in the first place. But now, scientists at the Ohio State University in Columbus […]
12February
2019
The 4-7-8 breathing technique, also known as “relaxing breath,” involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This breathing pattern aims to reduce anxiety or help people get to sleep. Some proponents claim that the method helps people get to sleep in 1 minute. There is limited scientific research to support this method, but there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to suggest that this type of deep, rhythmic breathing is relaxing and may help ease people into sleep. In this article, we look at how to perform this breathing technique, why it might work, and apps that could help. What is 4-7-8 breathing? Practicing the 4-7-8 breathing technique can help with reducing anxiety and falling asleep. The 4-7-8 breathing technique requires a person to focus on taking a long, deep breath in and out. Rhythmic breathing is a core part of many meditation and yoga practices as it promotes relaxation. Dr. Andrew Weil teaches the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which he believes can help with the following: reducing anxiety helping a person get to sleep managing cravings controlling or reducing anger responses Dr. Weil is a celebrity doctor and the founder […]
12February
2019
People taking the blood thinning medication warfarin may need to moderate vitamin K levels in their diets. Vitamin K may interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. A doctor may prescribe warfarin to someone who has had a blood clot in the past, as they are at a higher risk of blood clots in the future. Other factors that increase the chances of a blood clot include: Warfarin works by slowing the production of clotting factors, which the body makes by using vitamin K from food. Levels of vitamin K in a person’s diet could influence the effects of warfarin. It is possible that vitamin-K rich diets can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. The warfarin diet Asparagus is high in vitamin K. Vitamin K, which is in some foods, has an important role in blood clotting, and how warfarin works. The liver uses vitamin K to produce clotting factors, which are cells that help to control bleeding and enable blood clots to form. Warfarin disrupts this clotting process by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that uses vitamin K to form clotting factors. Warfarin can reduce the chances of a dangerous blood clot forming by increasing the time it takes for […]
12February
2019
New research that features in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience suggests that women who use oral contraceptives are less able to recognize facial expressions of complex emotions. Researchers are uncovering new psychological side effects of oral contraceptives. Over 60 percent of women aged 15–44 years are currently using a form of contraception, according to the most recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Approximately 28 percent, or 10.6 million, of these women are using the birth control pill. Worldwide, the number of women using oral contraceptives is at least 100 million. In addition to their contraceptive benefits, birth control pills have several therapeutic uses, such as controlling endometriosis, acne, painful or heavy periods, polycystic ovary syndrome, and uterine fibroids. However, oral contraceptives can also have a range of side effects, depending on the type of pill and the hormones that it contains. Such side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, and bloating. What are the psychological effects of using the pill though? Some studies have suggested that there is an association between taking the birth control pill and having mood swings and an increased risk of depression. New research adds another potentially adverse psychological effect to […]
12February
2019
What is snoring? Snoring happens when tissues in the back of the throat vibrate as air passes over them during sleep. Nasal infections or deformities can cause snoring, as can obesity, drug or alcohol use, medications, smoking, aging or sleep position. What are home remedies to stop snoring? Once you have ruled out sleep apnea as the cause of your snoring, the next step is figuring out how to stop snoring. There are some home remedies and behavior changes that may help reduce or eliminate snoring: Lose weight. Don’t sleep on your back. Avoid alcohol. Don’t take muscle relaxants (talk to your doctor before stopping any prescription medication, and ask about alternatives). Quit smoking. Try an anti-snoring pillow. Use nasal strips to open nasal passages. Take a hot shower before bed to open the sinuses. Change sheets frequently if allergies cause snoring (vacuum and dust regularly too.) Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Throat exercises Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Antisnoring apps: For those who love technology, there are several anti-snoring apps available. Download these anti-snoring solutions them onto your phone or tablet, to figure out ways to stop snoring. These apps can help record your snoring, analyze your sleep, and even […]
12February
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Skin News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Are your feet something you think about only when they hurt? Simple steps can protect them from common problems, some of which are hard to get rid of. The first step is to wear shoes, such as water slip-ons, in moist environments like indoor swimming pools and communal showers at the gym. Damp areas allow bacteria and viruses to thrive, and walking barefoot makes you more susceptible to common infections like nail fungus, athlete’s foot and warts. You don’t have to give up style, but skip shoes that don’t feel comfortable from the moment you try them on. Calluses, corns, blisters and irritations can all result from or get worse from shoes that pinch and don’t fit well. It’s a mistake to expect that the shoes will “give” and feel better over time. Choose hosiery with care. That means buying socks and tights made from breathable fabrics. It’s not always possible to wear cotton, so if your feet get sweaty when you wear hosiery made of synthetics like nylon, take these steps: Carefully wash and dry feet when you get home, hand-wash the hosiery every night […]
12February
2019
(HealthDay News) — As we age, so does our skin. With that comes wrinkles and age spots. Latest Skin News While wrinkle creams, eye serums and other products can diminish signs of aging, the most effective anti-aging plan begins with healthy skin habits, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy offers this advice: Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, covering your skin and wearing sunscreen every day. Never use a tanning bed. Apply moisturizer daily. Wash your face twice a day with a mild cleanser and warm water. Quit smoking. Eat healthier foods. Get plenty of sleep. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
12February
2019
Latest Prevention & Wellness News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — One in 10 Americans who survive a gunshot wound will wind up back in the hospital for further treatment within 90 days, a new study suggests. “Life does not go back to normal after surviving gunshot injury,” said study corresponding author Bindu Kalesan, an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University’s School of Medicine. “Survivors are likely to have problems related to their injury and may require additional hospitalization.” And the risk of complications after discharge is higher for these particular patients, the researchers found. To arrive at that conclusion, the researchers analyzed readmission data from U.S. hospitals in 2013 and 2014, to compare survivors of gunshot wounds with survivors of traffic crashes. The risk of returning to the hospital within 90 days of a gunshot wound was 20 percent higher than for pedestrians in a traffic accident, and 30 higher than car occupants in a traffic crash. “The majority of conversations around gun violence is regarding the lethality. The survivors are often overlooked and considered as either ‘heroes’ and in some cases ‘criminals,’” Kalesan said in a university news release. Yet, “they will suffer health consequences during […]
12February
2019
Latest Prevention & Wellness News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to strengthen regulation of dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and herbs, the agency announced Monday. The changes would be “one of the most significant modernizations of dietary supplement regulation and oversight in more than 25 years,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in an agency news release. Three out of every four Americans take a dietary supplement on a regular basis, including one in three children. The rate is highest — four in five — among older Americans. “What was once a $4 billion industry, comprised of about 4,000 unique products, is now an industry worth more than $40 billion, with more than 50,000 — and possibly as many as 80,000 or even more — different products available to consumers,” Gottlieb said. “As the popularity of supplements has grown, so have the number of entities marketing potentially dangerous products, or making unproven or misleading claims about the health benefits they may deliver,” he noted. The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade association that represents the nutritional supplement industry, took no issue with the FDA’s action. The group said it supports […]
12February
2019
Latest Mental Health News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Binge and heavy drinking may trigger DNA changes that make your booze cravings worse, a new study says. “We found that people who drink heavily may be changing their DNA in a way that makes them crave alcohol even more,” said senior study author Dipak Sarkar. He directs the endocrine program in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Sarkar and his team focused on two genes that play a role in controlling drinking: PER2, which influences the body’s biological clock, and POMC, which regulates the stress-response system. The researchers found that in binge and heavy drinkers, the two genes had changes caused by an alcohol-influenced gene modification process called methylation. The binge and heavy drinkers also had reductions in gene expression, which is the rate at which the two genes create proteins. These changes in the two genes increased with alcohol intake, according to the study. The researchers also found that the alcohol-triggered changes in the two genes of binge and heavy drinkers were associated with a greater craving for alcohol. “This may help explain why alcoholism is such a powerful […]
12February
2019
Latest Healthy Kids News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Children who have surgery for a broken elbow may be overprescribed potentially addictive opioid painkillers, a new study finds. Overprescription includes giving kids too many opioids when they are sent home — raising the risk that any leftover meds will be “diverted” for illicit use. “This study suggests that orthopedic surgeons really need to think about our current prescribing practices and how we can help decrease the potential for overprescription and opioid diversion,” said study author Dr. Apurva Shah. He’s an orthopedic surgeon at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The study included 81 patients, average age about 6 years, who had surgery for the most common type of elbow fracture in children. On average, they took only 24 percent of prescribed opioid painkillers. Opioids include drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin. Eighteen patients did not take any opioid medications after they left the hospital, and 18 took over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Only 11 patients were taking any type of pain medication 10 days after surgery. By day 14, six patients were taking OTC pain medications, and by day 21, only four still used them, […]
12February
2019
Latest Heart News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Heart patients prescribed opioid painkillers when they leave the hospital may be less likely to get follow-up care and slightly more likely to die, a new study finds. It included nearly 2,500 patients discharged from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., after treatment for heart attack, sudden heart failure or both between October 2011 and December 2015. Twenty percent of the patients were discharged from the hospital with an opioid prescription. After leaving the hospital, patients were interviewed about their use of medical services. The telephone interviews were conducted two to three days, 30 days and 90 days after discharge. Compared to others, patients prescribed opioids were less likely to follow up with their health care provider or take part in heart rehabilitation 30 days after discharge. They were slightly more likely to visit the emergency room, be readmitted to the hospital, or to die within 90 days. The study was recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. “Hospital discharge provides a unique opportunity to evaluate each patient’s medication regimen,” said lead author Dr. Justin Liberman, an assistant professor of anesthesiology at Vanderbilt. “It’s important for […]
12February
2019
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Heart News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Millions of Americans with heart disease say they face financial strain because of their medical care, with some skipping meds or cutting back on basics like groceries. That’s the finding of a new national study of heart disease and stroke patients younger than 65 — a group that’s too young for Medicare but often lack health insurance, or “good” insurance. The researchers found that 45 percent of those patients said they’d had problems paying their medical bills in the past year. That translates to nearly 4 million Americans. For many, the study found, the issues ran deep: More than one-third of people with payment problems said they’d skipped needed drugs, cut back on groceries or were in general “financial distress.” “In order to meet obligations toward out-of-pocket costs, heart disease patients are delaying or avoiding paying for medications and elementary daily needs — like putting food on the table,” said senior researcher Dr. Khurram Nasir, of the Yale School of Medicine. Others said the findings were striking and important, though not surprising. Dr. Alison Bailey, a cardiologist in Tennessee, said she routinely sees patients who are […]
12February
2019
(HealthDay News) — Caring for a loved one after a stroke can be difficult, but with the right information and preparation, you can keep your loved one safe, the American Stroke Association says. Latest Heart News The association offers this advice for caregivers: Be aware of the person’s medications and side effects. Determine if the home should be modified to meet the needs of the stroke survivor. Make sure the person eats a healthy diet, exercises, takes medication as prescribed and visits the doctor regularly. Many factors influence recovery, such as where in the brain the stroke occurred, how much of the brain was affected, the survivor’s motivation, caregiver support, the amount and quality of rehabilitation and the survivor’s health before the stroke. The most rapid recovery usually occurs during the first four months after a stroke. Some survivors continue to recover well into the second year. Consider physical or occupational therapy if the loved one is dizzy, imbalanced or is unable to walk six minutes without stopping to rest. Don’t ignore falls. Take your loved one to the ER if a fall is serious and results in severe pain, bruising or bleeding. If your loved one has minor falls […]
12February
2019
Latest Digestion News TUESDAY, Feb. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — New (and pricey) hepatitis C medicines, such as Harvoni and Sovaldi, are living up to their promise and greatly reducing patients’ odds for liver cancer and death, a new French study finds. The news came as little surprise to one U.S. liver expert. The advent of this class of drugs “has led to almost universal cure of chronic hepatitis C infection,” said Dr. David Bernstein, chief of hepatology at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y. Bernstein believes “this large study provides the best evidence to date to support the recommendations that all patients with chronic hepatitis C infection be treated with [these drugs].” According to background data in the study, about 71 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C infection, which can cause debilitating or fatal illnesses such as cirrhosis, liver disease and liver cancer. Over the last 15 years, these complications have tripled and it’s predicted that they’ll peak between 2030 and 2035, the researchers said. The new research was funded by drugmakers and included nearly 9,900 patients in France. About three-quarters of the patients were treated with the newer class of drugs, called “direct-acting antivirals,” while the other one-quarter […]
12February
2019
By Alan MozesHealthDay Reporter Latest Chronic Pain News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you’re an aging baby boomer who thinks you can handle today’s potent marijuana “edibles,” the case of a man who had a heart attack after eating a pot lollipop should give you pause. The 70-year-old patient had been taking heart medications and consumed roughly 90 milligrams (mg) of THC while trying to ease pain and aid sleep. That’s a far greater amount than the 7 mg of THC that is typically found in a single joint. THC is the ingredient in pot that makes you high. A heart attack ensued after the man felt crushing chest pain and experienced a sudden reduction of blood flow to his heart, his Canadian doctors reported. The patient survived, noted study author Dr. Alexandra Saunders. But, “we thought this case report was important to publish because it was about a person with known heart disease and risk factors for heart disease, which is an ever-growing part of our population,” Saunders said. Although the man had smoked pot when he was young, average THC counts have since risen considerably. Nor had the patient understood that the effects of edibles […]
12February
2019
A number of warning/advisory letters have been issued to 17 companies for selling illegal products that claim to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer’s disease and other serious conditions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Latest Alzheimer’s News The agency said it posted 12 warning letters and five online advisory letters to U.S. and foreign companies illegally selling more than 58 products, many of which are marketed as dietary supplements. The products — which include tablets, capsules and oils and are often sold on websites and social media — have not been reviewed by the FDA and may be ineffective, unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, according to the FDA The companies have 15 days to respond to the FDA and outline how they intend to correct the violations. Product seizures and/or injunctions are among the actions the FDA could take if the violations are not corrected. “Science and evidence are the cornerstone of the FDA’s review process and are imperative to demonstrating medical benefit, especially when a product is marketed to treat serious and complex diseases like Alzheimer’s,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said in an agency news release. “Alzheimer’s is a […]
11February
2019
A broken jaw refers to a fracture of the jawbone or mandible, whereas a dislocated jaw is where the lower part of the jaw moves out of position. Both injuries have a variety of causes, including facial trauma. Stretching the jaw too much, such as when yawning or biting, can also cause dislocation. Both of these injuries can cause severe pain in the jaw and face and can also restrict the movement of the jaw. A broken jaw can cause facial bruising and swelling, while a dislocation may cause the lower jaw to become misaligned with the skull. Treatment for a broken jaw depends on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, medical interventions are unnecessary. A doctor can often treat a dislocated jaw by manually repositioning it. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for broken or dislocated jaws. Causes A broken or dislocated jaw can cause severe pain and restrict movement. Doctors call the lower part of the jaw the mandible. It is separate from the rest of the skull. The mandible connects to the skull via the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which allow the jaw to open and close. When the mandible bone breaks or […]
11February
2019
Immunodeficiency disorders interfere with the functioning of the immune system. As a result, the body is less able to fight off attacks, such as those from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A person with this type of disorder is more likely to experience frequent infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract, sinuses, ears, and lungs, as well as other more serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. There is significant variation among immunodeficiency disorders. Primary immunodeficiency disorders are genetic and passed through generations. Researchers have identified more than 300 of these genetic disorders. People acquire secondary immunodeficiency disorders as a result of illness, infection, malnutrition, or treatments such as chemotherapy or surgery. What do immunodeficiency disorders affect? Immunodeficiency disorders affect the immune system. The immune system fights infection in two ways: T cells work to destroy the infectious agent directly, while B cells produce antibodies to eradicate it. Each method involves a variety of cells that are all made in a person’s bone marrow. B cells mature in the marrow, and T cells mature in the thymus, a gland that sits behind the breast bone. Mature cells then move to the spleen and lymph nodes, where they wait for the signal to fight infection. These […]
11February
2019
Many genetic and environmental factors can affect fertility in men and women. However, it is possible to increase the chances of having a successful pregnancy using natural methods. This article will discuss evidence-based, natural methods for increasing fertility in both men and women. In women, reducing stress and exercising often can boost fertility. In men, fertility-boosting actions include limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking. There are also several fertility treatments available for both men and women. Methods for women There are many things a woman can do to increase the chance of becoming pregnant. Below, we look at some of these methods. Reducing stress Taking steps to tackle stress can help naturally boost fertility. Stress can reduce fertility in women. Alpha-amylase is a biological marker of stress that scientists can measure in saliva samples. A study from 2011 showed that women with higher alpha-amylase levels may have a lower chance of conceiving naturally. Engaging in stress reduction activities can increase fertility in women. For example, those who receive support and counseling for depression and anxiety have a higher chance of becoming pregnant than those who do not. Quitting smoking Smoking tobacco can disrupt hormone levels and cause menopause to occur […]
11February
2019
Respiratory rates change based on many health and activity factors. Normal respiratory rates also differ in adults and children. The respiratory rate is the number of breaths someone takes every minute and is one of the main vital signs, along with blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. When a person inhales, oxygen enters their lungs and travels to the organs. When they exhale, carbon dioxide leaves the body. A normal respiratory rate plays a critical role in keeping the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide even. Normal respiratory range in adults A normal respiratory rate is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Although the normal respiratory rate can vary slightly between individuals, there is a range that doctors and nurses consider usual. The normal respiratory rate for healthy adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. At this breathing rate, the carbon dioxide exits the lungs at the same rate that the body produces it. Breathing rates of below 12 or above 20 can mean a disruption in normal breathing processes. Normal respiratory ranges in children Normal respiratory rates for children in breaths per minute are as follows: birth to 1 year: 30 to 60 1 to 3 years: […]
11February
2019
The paleo diet is an eating plan that mimics how prehistoric humans may have eaten. It involves eating whole foods that people could theoretically hunt or gather. Advocates of the paleo diet reject modern diets that are full of processed foods. They believe that returning to how hunter-gatherers ate may cause fewer health problems. The paleo diet is not safe for everyone. Doctors do not know its effects on children, pregnant women, or older adults. People with chronic conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should also speak to a doctor before trying a paleo diet. This article explores paleo principles and provides a 7-day paleo diet meal plan to follow. Read on to learn how to eat like our ancestors. What is a paleo diet? People who support the paleo diet claim that it can aid weight loss and reduce the risk of some health conditions. The focus of the paleo diet is on eating foods that might have been available in the Paleolithic era. The paleo diet is also known as the stone age diet, hunter-gatherer diet, or caveman diet. Before modern agriculture developed around 10,000 years ago, people typically ate foods that they could hunt or gather, such […]
11February
2019
Obstructive lung disease is a type of lung disease that occurs due to blockages or obstructions in the airways. Blockages damage the lungs and cause their airways to narrow. This damage leads to difficulty breathing. In this article, we look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of several types of obstructive lung disease. What is obstructive lung disease? When a person with healthy lungs breathes, gas exchange occurs in air sacs called alveoli. When a person breathes, air travels down the windpipe through a series of tubes called bronchi, which gradually get smaller. At the end of these tubes are bunches of air sacs called alveoli. In healthy lungs, the alveoli fill up with air and pass oxygen through to the blood vessels that run along them. At the same time, the blood passes carbon dioxide back to the alveoli for exhalation. In obstructive lung disease, less air flows in and out of the alveoli and fewer gas exchanges can happen. This can happen for many reasons, depending on which type of obstructive lung disease a person has. Types of obstructive lung disease include: Obstructive vs. restrictive lung disease While many of the symptoms of obstructive lung disease and […]
11February
2019
Researchers have taken a step forward in the quest for a pill that can recover brain function lost through strokes, brain injuries, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers generated new neurons using a simple molecular cocktail. Scientists at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College converted glial cells into functioning neurons by using a combination of just four small molecules. Glial cells, among other things, can support and protect neurons, which are cells that perform the mental functions of the brain. In a new study paper that now features in the journal Stem Cell Reports, the researchers describe how their converted neurons survived for more than 7 months in laboratory cultures. The new neurons also showed an ability to work like normal brain cells. They formed networks and communicated with each other using both electrical and chemical signals. Glial cells proliferate after injury Senior study author Gong Chen, who is a professor of biology at Penn State, explains that neurons do not regenerate when brain tissue becomes damaged. “In contrast,” he adds, “glial cells, which gather around damaged brain tissue, can proliferate after brain injury.” In their study paper, he and his team explain how glial cells form […]
11February
2019
An analysis of mortality rates related to breast cancer from 1989 until 2018 indicates that breast cancer screening, paired with access to better treatment, has significantly improved the health outcome for women with this type of cancer over the past few decades. Since 1989, breast cancer-related death rates have fallen exponentially, primarily due to screening and better care. The American Cancer Society report that, on average, a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime is approximately 12 percent. Furthermore, the Society estimate that about 268,600 women in the United States will receive a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer in 2019. However, they also note that although breast cancer incidence rates have increased by 0.4 percent each year, mortality rates due to this disease have been declining. A new report put together by investigators from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC, and the Department of Radiology and Rogel Cancer Center of the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, MI indicates that in 2018 expected mortality rates related to breast cancer dropped by approximately half, compared with the situation almost 3 decades ago. The report — which […]
11February
2019
Mood disorders and alcohol use disorder are both challenging to treat. A recent study concludes that a pathway involved in both conditions could be positively influenced by a commercially available chemical. A new study finds an innovative approach to treating alcohol use disorder. A doctor diagnoses alcohol use disorder (AUD) when an individual’s use of alcohol becomes compulsive. Someone with AUD feels intense cravings for alcohol and, when none has been consumed, experiences symptoms of withdrawal. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, there are around 16 million people in the United States with AUD. Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, are often linked with AUD but are even more prevalent. The National Institute of Mental Health estimate that mood disorders affected 9.7 percent of adults in the U.S. between 2016 and 2017. AUD and mood disorders The links between AUD and mood disorders were described decades ago. However, it has been difficult to tease apart cause and effect: Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can produce depression-like symptoms and, because alcohol alters mood, some people with mood disorders self-medicate with alcohol. Recently, researchers from the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland set out to investigate […]
11February
2019
A new study, published in a special supplement of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, reviews what we know so far about the link between the gut and Parkinson’s disease. Homing in on the gut may help diagnose the condition much sooner and slow down its progression. Some people have gastrointestinal problems years before they develop any motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 50,000 people in the United States receive a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease each year. Currently, around 500,000 people have the condition. By the time physicians diagnose it, most brain cells that are affected in Parkinson’s have already died. For this reason, it is more difficult to slow down the progressive disease. Therefore, researchers have recently been looking into ways to detect the condition much earlier, going beyond the movement-related neurons and neurotransmitters in their search for a culprit. In their exploration of the causes behind Parkinson’s disease, researchers have zeroed in on the gut. More and more studies are suggesting that the condition starts in the gastrointestinal system — at least for some people who have digestive symptoms years before any motor symptoms develop. Some studies have even shown that the […]
11February
2019
One new study finds no evidence to suggest that eating the first meal of the day may help with weight loss. How important is eating breakfast for people trying to lose weight? Every single day, people around the world sit at the table to enjoy what many consider to be “the most important meal of the day.” Breakfast traditions vary: those from the United States and United Kingdom tend to favor eggs and bacon, whereas those in Italy and France often prefer croissants. Regardless of what people choose to eat for breakfast, many people see this meal as an essential part of the day. This is because it provides the body with the nutrients and energy needed to start the day. That said, the debate about breakfast’s role in health has been ongoing for years. Breakfast myths debunked A new study — the findings of which appear in the BMJ — saw no evidence to support the idea that eating breakfast is a good strategy for weight loss, or that skipping breakfast has the opposite effect. Some previous studies have suggested that eating breakfast may help a person maintain a healthy weight. A team of Japanese researchers, for example, found […]
11February
2019
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of nearly 100 children, and the number of cases on are the rise, according to the charity Save the Children. Latest Infectious Disease News It said that since the outbreak of the viral illness began in August 2018, 97 children have died, including 65 who were younger than five years of age, CNN reported. The charity also said that the number of new cases surged in January, from about 20 a week to more than 40, with 120 new cases in the last three weeks of January. The current outbreak in Congo is the second-deadliest and second-largest in history. So far, there have been 745 confirmed cases and 61 probable cases, the country’s health ministry said Saturday. There have been 505 deaths, CNN reported. The deadliest Ebola outbreak occurred in West Africa in 2014. More than 11,000 people died, according to the World Health Organization. Copyright © 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
11February
2019
Health clinics in Clark County, Washington are scrambling to meet the sharply increased demand for measles vaccination as people seek protection during an outbreak of the highly contagious virus. Latest Infectious Disease News State health department data show that orders for two types of measles vaccines in the county were nearly 500 percent higher in January than in the same month last year, spiking from 530 doses to 3,150, Kaiser Health News reported. One facility, the Vancouver Clinic, said it gave 1,444 measles shots in January, compared with 263 last January, a nearly 450 percent increase. There have been more than 50 confirmed cases of measles and 11 suspected cases in Clark County this year. Only 76.5 percent of kindergartners in the county had all the required immunizations for the 2017-18 school year, and health officials have long been concerned about the risk of an outbreak in the region. State-wide, orders for measles vaccine rose about 30 percent in January compared with the same month last year, from 12,140 doses to 15,780 doses, data show, Kaiser reported. The measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest also includes one confirmed case in King County, where Seattle is located, and four in Multnomah […]
11February
2019
Latest Heart News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — As a medical malpractice lawyer, Diana Mauro is no stranger to stress. Her job in the New York area consists of long hours and challenging cases. Some days, she would stay at the office until 9 p.m. Like many people, she exercised to reduce tension and stay fit. In late 2016, she decided to get in better shape, so she ramped up her cardio and weight workouts to about four or five times a week with her boyfriend, a fitness trainer. Then, Mauro started to feel lightheaded. Her blood pressure dropped very low. She thought she was dehydrated or working out too hard. When the symptoms didn’t go away after a couple of weeks, she visited her primary care doctor. A heart murmur was detected. She was referred to a cardiologist, who found that one of her veins wasn’t connected correctly to her heart. She also had an enlarged right ventricle. More testing found that three of the four veins from Mauro’s right lung were connected to the right side of her heart instead of the left. That meant her body was receiving only half of the oxygenated […]
11February
2019
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Exercise & Fitness News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Men and women alike want defined abs. But you don’t have to achieve a “six-pack” — the nickname for the three most visible pairs of abdominal muscles — to get the benefits of a stronger middle, needed to support your back. For a study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), scientists from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, evaluated popular ab exercises to determine the best ones. Popular Ab Strength Training Exercises Bicycle crunch Captain’s chair crunch Classic crunch Decline bench curl-up Front plank Side plank Stability ball crunch Yoga boat pose Of all these, the winner was the classic crunch. And it makes no difference whether you do crunches with arms folded across the chest or hands behind the head, researchers found. What does matter is using proper form. Here’s how ACE recommends doing crunches with hands behind your head: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor between 12 and 18 inches from your rear. Press your elbows back to bring shoulder blades together without arching your lower back. Keep elbows in this position and keep your […]
11February
2019
Latest Digestion News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Scientists who used stem cells to grow functional kidneys in rats say their research could point the way to growing new kidneys for humans. A shortage of donor kidneys means many people with kidney failure never get a transplant. In the United States alone, 95,000 people are waiting for a new kidney. To address shortages of donor organs, scientists are trying to find ways to grow healthy organs outside the human body. One approach that’s produced promising results is called blastocyst complementation. Blastocysts — the clusters of cells formed several days after egg fertilization — are taken from lab animals bred to lack specific organs. The blastocysts are injected with stem cells from a normal animal, though not necessarily of the same species. The stem cells form the entire missing organ in the new animal. That organ can potentially be transplanted to another animal. “We previously used blastocyst complementation to generate rat pancreas” in mice without a working pancreas, said study lead author Teppei Goto, a researcher at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Okazaki-shi, Japan. “We therefore decided to investigate whether the method could be used to generate […]
11February
2019
Latest Diabetes News SATURDAY, Feb. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Monitoring blood sugar is essential for many people with diabetes, but self-testing is a hassle. For some patients, using a continuous glucose monitor might be the solution. The monitors were originally designed for people with type 1 diabetes to keep track of their blood sugar throughout the day. Using a sensor and a receiver, these devices track factors such as exercise, stress, certain foods and sleep that can affect blood sugar. It’s become more common to see these monitors used by people with type 2 diabetes, because continuous glucose monitors are now much easier to use. “Even my patients in their 70s are doing a great job of using these devices,” said Dr. Elena Toschi, a staff physician in the Adult Diabetes Center at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston. These devices are recommended for all people with type 1 diabetes, those who have hypoglycemia or those who are not able to achieve an A1c below 7 percent, Toschi explained in a Joslin news release. A1c is a measure of a person’s average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. “Continuous glucose monitors have an alarm, which will […]
11February
2019
Latest Cold and Flu News SUNDAY, Feb. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Even if you think you can go to work when you have a cold or flu, you need to think about others, an infectious disease expert says. “I see a lot of patients whose jobs and stress make them feel torn between staying home and going in when they’re sick,” said Dr. Robin Wigmore. She is a primary care physician and infectious disease specialist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “But viral infections like the common cold and flu are contagious. It’s important to consider your co-workers’ health as well,” Wigmore said in a medical center news release. To make an informed decision, first consider how long you’ve been feeling ill. “You are most contagious in the first 48 hours of a viral illness,” Wigmore explained. “This is often even before you begin feeling symptoms.” This means you should stay home at the first sign of symptoms. That will avoid spreading your illness and allow you to rest, stay hydrated and take care of yourself. Ask yourself if your symptoms are contagious. Viruses can be passed through the air by coughing or sneezing, and some cold […]
11February
2019
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Cold and Flu News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Though much of the United States is in the grip of the flu, the season hasn’t peaked yet, health officials said Friday. As of Feb. 2, flu is widespread in 47 states, and 24 states are experiencing high levels of the disease. In addition, hospitalizations are increasing, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Flu activity has continued to increase this week,” said Lynnette Brammer, the lead of CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team. The most common type of flu around is still the influenza A strain H1N1. But it may be waning, Brammer said, as the level of influenza A H3N2 has increased. Both of these flu strains are in this year’s vaccine, but while the H1N1 component is up to 65 percent effective, the effectiveness of the H3N2 is far less, according to the CDC. Even though it is nearly mid-February, the flu season is expected to continue for several more weeks, probably well into March, Brammer said. “There’s still a lot more flu season to come,” she said. “I expect activity to continue for several more weeks.” That’s why […]
11February
2019
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Chronic Pain News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Optimism may be key to coping with chronic pain, claims a new study of soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. And you don’t need to be a vet to benefit from a positive attitude, the research suggests. Among nearly 21,000 veterans, those with a positive outlook before they were sent abroad reported fewer bouts with pain after deployment, including new back pain, joint pain and frequent headaches. “What was striking was that optimism was associated with less pain even when taking into consideration what the soldiers experienced during deployment, such as combat stress and trauma, as well as injury,” said lead researcher Afton Hassett. She is an associate research scientist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. And an upbeat attitude can have the same power for civilians, the study authors said. “Although the experience of the U.S. Army soldier is incredibly different than that of a civilian, there is a large body of literature that suggests that optimism is protective for the experience of pain,” Hassett said. Optimistic people, for example, have lower levels of pain sensitivity as well as generally better […]
11February
2019
What are boils? Boils result from a localized skin infection. They start as a hard, tender lump that reddens. Eventually, the lump becomes filled with whitish or yellow pus, which comprises millions of dead white blood cells the body has deployed to fight the infection, bacteria, and proteins. The boil or abscess may burst and drain by itself or may need surgical drainage (referred to as an incision and drainage or I&D). What are home remedies for boils? Home treatment is an option for most simple boils. Ideally, treatment should begin as soon as a boil is noticed since early treatment may prevent later complications. The primary home remedy for most boils is heat application, usually with hot or warm water soaks or warm compresses. It may be necessary to apply them 20 minutes at a time for three to four times daily. Heat application increases the circulation to the area and allows the body to better fight off the infection by bringing antibodies and white blood cells to the site of infection. If a boil occurs as a result of shaving, it is recommended to avoid shaving in that area until the boil has healed to avoid spread of […]
11February
2019
Latest Senior Health News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — What determines how much control seniors feel they have over their lives? New research offers some answers. “We found that sleep, mood and stress are all important factors in determining a sense of control, and in whether older adults feel they can do the things they want to do,” said study co-author Shevaun Neupert. She is a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University. “This finding is important because when older adults begin to lose their sense of autonomy, it can lead to changes in behavior that adversely affect their health and well-being,” Neupert explained in a university news release. The findings could help guide efforts to improve people’s sense of control, the researchers suggested. For the study, the investigators analyzed data on 205 people, aged 60 to 94, who provided information on a wide range of psychological variables on eight days over a three-week period. The researchers wanted to determine which, if any, of those variables affected two “control” beliefs: a person’s sense that he or she can do the things they want to do; and the sense that they are in control of their own lives. […]
11February
2019
(HealthDay News) — Taking care of a significant wound helps prevent infection and minimize scaring, the Nemours Foundation says. Latest Prevention & Wellness News The foundation suggests how to care for a wound at home: Keep the wound covered with a clean dressing until it stops producing fluid. Wait an average of four days after surgery before showering. Ask your doctor for a specific time to wait. Do not soak in the bathtub or swim until your next doctor visit. Don’t let pets get close to a wound. Do not pick or scratch a scab. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
11February
2019
Latest Prevention & Wellness News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (HealthDay News) — About 4.2 million people worldwide die every year within 30 days of surgery — more than from HIV, tuberculosis and malaria combined, a new study reports. The findings show that 7.7 percent of all deaths worldwide occur within a month of surgery, a rate higher than that from any other cause except ischemic heart disease and stroke. About 313 million surgical procedures a year are performed worldwide, according to The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery, but little is known about the quality of surgery around the world. That’s what this study set out to explore, using available data on volume and type of procedures and death rates. “Surgery has been the ‘neglected stepchild’ of global health and has received a fraction of the investment put in to treating infectious diseases such as malaria,” said lead author Dr. Dmitri Nepogodiev. He’s a research fellow at the University of Birmingham in England. Along with finding that 4.2 million people a year die within a month of having surgery, his team discovered that half of those deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers from Birmingham’s NIHR Global Health Research Unit […]
11February
2019
Latest Pregnancy News FRIDAY, Feb. 8, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — The risk of a type of stroke that causes bleeding in the brain is higher among women during pregnancy and in the weeks following delivery, new research finds. While studies have shown that women have an increased risk for stroke-causing blood clots during pregnancy and the postpartum period, researchers wanted to know if the same holds true for cases of intracerebral hemorrhage, a brain bleed caused when a blood vessel ruptures. The study, presented this week at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, found that women who are pregnant or postpartum have three times the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage compared to when they are not. “This study solidifies and fortifies the work that has been going on,” said Jennifer Meeks, of McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the study’s lead researcher. Prior studies have found a higher rate of intracerebral hemorrhage during pregnancy and the traditional six-week postpartum period, but most have been limited by a smaller sample size and other factors. Meeks and her colleagues looked at data for millions of women and used a novel approach in […]
11February
2019
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Neurology News MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Young children with autism are more than twice as likely to have sleep problems than typical kids or those with other developmental delays, a new study reports. Several factors profoundly affect the sleep of 2- to 5-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), said lead researcher Dr. Ann Reynolds. They are more likely to resist their bedtime, have trouble getting to sleep, suffer from anxiety regarding sleep, wake up in the middle of the night, and experience night terrors. “It was very clear that kids with features of autism have more sleep issues,” said Reynolds, an associate professor of developmental pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. “For almost all categories, there was a difference between ASD kids and the general population.” It was already known that kids with autism struggle with sleep. Studies have consistently found that more than half of them and possibly as many as 4 in 5 have at least one chronic sleep problem, according to Autism Speaks. Reynolds and her team decided to delve deeper into the issue, to see which sleep problems appeared to be more affected […]
11February
2019
What is sciatica? The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. It’s rooted in the lower back and extends through the rump, providing nerve endings through the leg. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is centered on the lower back, and the cause is usually from a ruptured disc in the spinal column that irritates or inflames the nerve. Bone, tumors, muscles, and infections can also cause inflammation of the sciatic nerve and the resulting back and leg pain. What is the treatment for sciatica? Bed rest has been traditionally advocated for the treatment of acute sciatica. But how useful is it? To study the effectiveness of bed rest in patients with sciatica, a research team in the Netherlands led by Dr. Patrick Vroomen randomly assigned 183 such patients to bed rest or, alternatively, to watchful waiting for this period. The results, reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that after two weeks, 70% patients in the bed-rest group reported improvement, as compared with 65% of the patients in the control (watchful-waiting) group. After 12 weeks, 87% of the patients in both groups reported improvement. The results of assessments of the intensity of pain, the aggravation of […]
