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You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
A recent study found that scoring verbal memory tests according to sex can alter who receives a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by as much as 20%. New research assesses the differences in cognition between males and females after the age of 65. Evidence shows that females tend to have better verbal memory than males, and yet, tests that assess cognitive ability do not reflect this. In the new study, the researchers scored memory tests using different norms and thresholds, or cut-off scores, for males and females. They found that using sex-specific scores led to 10% more females and 10% fewer males receiving a diagnosis of MCI compared with scores that used averages. The team suggests that should further studies validate the findings, they could change the way that doctors diagnose males and females for dementia. “If these results are confirmed, they have vital implications,” says first study author Erin E. Sundermann, Ph.D., a scientist at the University of California, San Diego. She explains that one of the consequences of identifying people as having no memory difficulties when they actually have MCI is that they do not start treatment when they should. This can also mean that they and […]
Scientists have highlighted a possible link between infection with rotavirus and an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Undergoing vaccination against the pathogen may be an effective way to prevent the condition. Could a routine childhood vaccination reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The exact reason a person develops this condition is unknown, but experts believe that a complex relationship between many genetic and environmental factors is at play. A longstanding theory has implicated certain infections in early childhood as a trigger for type 1 diabetes — particularly in children who are genetically susceptible. One such infection is rotavirus. Infection with rotavirus causes gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu. In infants, rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Writing in the journal PLOS Pathogens, Dr. Leonard C. Harrison — a professor at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research at the University of Melbourne in Australia — and colleagues present data that underpin their theory of a link between rotavirus and type 1 diabetes. They point to two studies in particular that show a drop in new type 1 diabetes cases in children who received the rotavirus vaccine. […]
Does dementia spread gradually and evenly in all directions across the brain, or can it “jump” from one brain area to another? New research helps to settle the question by examining the progression of frontotemporal dementia. Researchers have used MRI scans to improve their prediction of brain atrophy progression in a type of dementia. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a condition in which the frontal and temporal anterior lobes of the brain shrink, or atrophy. This results in two broad categories of symptoms: behavioral changes and language problems. Unlike in other forms of dementia, FTD does not affect spatial awareness and memory. There are currently no treatments for slowing the progression of FTD. The medical community has insufficient knowledge of how the disease spreads and how differently it progresses between individuals. To help understand the condition, Dr. William Seeley — a professor of neurology and pathology at the Memory and Aging Center and Weill Institute at the University of California San Francisco — together with his team, set out to examine the patterns of brain atrophy progression in FTD. Dr. Seely and his colleagues published their findings in the journal Neuron. Finding the ‘patient-tailored epicenter’ The new study builds on previous […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
The effect of added sucrose in the diet on calorie intake and body weight appears to depend on whether it is in liquid or solid form, according to a new study in mice. If the results translate to humans, they suggest that the contribution of added dietary sugar to obesity comes largely from sugar-sweetened drinks. If scientists replicate this finding in humans, it will validate rising concerns about the consumption of sugary drinks. A team of scientists in the United Kingdom and China made these suggestions after giving mice added sugar in either their drink or their food for 8 weeks and then comparing them. In both groups of mice, the added sugar represented 73% of the available dietary calories. A recent Molecular Metabolism paper carries a full report of the study. “The consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages,” says John R. Speakman, a professor in the school of biological and environmental sciences at the University of Aberdeen in the U.K., “has been widely implicated as a contributing factor in obesity, and we investigated whether the mode of ingestion (solid or liquid) had different impacts on body weight regulation in mice.” Prof. Speakman, who led the research at both the University of […]
A recent study concludes that the husks and silverskin that coffee manufacturers remove during production might harbor useful compounds. Although the study is preliminary, its findings could eventually benefit both human health and the environment. The study looks to repurpose the waste that coffee production creates. Coffee is one of the world’s most popular drinks. To produce coffee, only the bean itself needs roasting. To reach the bean, growers remove the husk, which is a tough outer shell, and the silverskin, which is a thin skin that covers the seed. They tend to leave the husks, in particular, in the field. These abandoned coffee byproducts contain chemicals such as caffeine, tannins, and chlorogenic acid, which can be hazardous to the environment. Manufacturers produce around 0.68 tons of green coffee waste to generate 1 ton of fresh coffee, so it makes sense to find ways to repurpose these byproducts. Now, researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign are investigating whether or not some of this waste could be useful for its bioactive properties. Converting waste into medicine Using extracts of silverskin and husk, the scientists investigated whether these byproducts might reduce some of the biochemical hallmarks of obesity. They also […]
A new systematic review and meta-analysis ask whether bipolar disorder is associated with developing Parkinson’s disease. Although the authors conclude that there is a link, it is a tough question to unpick. A recent study examines the links between two conditions that appear at opposite ends of life. Bipolar disorder (BD), which people once called manic depression, tends to begin around 20 years of age. Characterized by cyclic episodes of depression and mania, BD affects an estimated 2.8% of adults in the United States each year. Scientists do not know why BD occurs in some people but not others, although evidence suggests that the dopamine system might play a role. For instance, levodopa — a Parkinson’s drug that activates dopamine receptors — can induce mania in some people. Additionally, there is some evidence that when someone with BD switches from a depressive to a manic state, there is an upregulation of dopamine receptors. Researchers refer to the theory that dopamine is involved in BD as the dopamine dysregulation hypothesis. Parkinson’s and bipolar disorder Parkinson’s, a condition that is characterized by tremor, rigidity, and unstable posture, most commonly occurs in older adults. It affects an estimated 500,000 adults in the U.S., […]
What is methimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Methimazole is used to treat an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Grave’s disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disease resulting from antibodies that attach to receptors on thyroid hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland and trigger overproduction of thyroid hormone. An enzyme (peroxidase) produces thyroid hormones, i.e., thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), by combining iodine with a protein called thyroglobulin. Methimazole prevents iodine and peroxidase from their normal interactions with thyroglobulin to form T4 and T3. This action decreases thyroid hormone production. Methimazole also interferes with the conversion of T4 to T3. Since T3 is more potent than T4, this also reduces the activity of thyroid hormones. The FDA approved methimazole in March 1999. What brand names are available for methimazole? Tapazole, Northyx (discontinued) Is methimazole available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for methimazole? Yes What is methimazole used for? Methimazole is used for treating hyperthyroidism. It also is used for decreasing symptoms of hyperthyroidism in preparation for surgical removal of the thyroid gland or before inactivating the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine. Long-term use of methimazole may […]
(HealthDay News) — Yawning typically occurs when you feel sleepy or bored, says Cleveland Clinic. People do not yawn because the brain needs more oxygen, the clinic notes in dispelling a common myth. Instead, yawns allow us to regulate both air pressure in our ears and brain temperature. Latest Sleep News Yawns are not really contagious. Often, people yawn in the same environment because they are exposed to the same temperature and need to thermoregulate, too, the clinic says. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Sleep Disorders: Foods That Help Sleep or Keep You Awake See Slideshow
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Sexual Health News TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Many studies have shown that a stable and happy marriage is good for the health of both partners, increasing longevity. But did you know that there’s also a link between one spouse’s happiness and the health of the other? Building on the idea that a happy person is often a healthy person, researchers from Michigan State University and the University of Chicago explored whether a happy outlook could positively affect relationships. After studying nearly 2,000 couples, they found that people with a happy spouse are more likely to report better health over time — above and beyond their own happiness. It may be that a happy spouse offers their partner more TLC than an unhappy one who is often focused more on his or her own needs. A happy partner, especially one who follows a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and smart food choices, is more likely to motivate their spouse to follow their example and become healthier in the process. Also, a happy spouse is likely to place fewer demands on a partner, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy behaviors like drinking. How can you […]
By Karina Lichtenstein on 10/15/2019 1:43 PM Latest Sexual Health News Source: MedicineNet Health News STD rates in the U.S. have increased for the fifth consecutive year, reaching an all-time record high, according to 2018 data from the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report. Approximately 2.5 million combined cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis were reported to the CDC last year, according to surveillance data. These were the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections. The report noted approximately 1.8 million cases of chlamydia, 600,000 cases of gonorrhea, and 100,000 cases of syphilis. The CDC said many cases of STDs go undiagnosed and unreported, so national surveillance data likely only represents a fraction of the U.S. STD epidemic. CDC data also revealed a 40% increase in congenital syphilis – about 1,300 total cases – from 2017 to 2018. This serious illness is transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby and may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, and even death. Affected babies may suffer lifelong physical and neurological problems, according to the CDC. Potentially Serious Consequences Syphilis is caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria known as Treponema pallidum, according to MedicineNet author Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD. When untreated, the illness progresses through distinct […]
(HealthDay News) — Toe bones are typically small and fragile. That’s why these bones can break after dropping something heavy on them or even stubbing a toe, says MedlinePlus. Usually, a broken toe is not a serious injury and can be cared for at home. Latest Prevention & Wellness News To care for a broken toe at home, MedlinePlus suggests: Buddy taping. Wrap tape around the injured toe and the one next to it. Place a small wad of cotton between your toes and change the cotton daily. Wear stiff-bottomed shoes. Once the swelling has gone down, wear solid, stable shoes. Seek prompt medical attention if the injury appears severe or doesn’t respond to treatment. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW 8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More in Pictures See Slideshow
Latest Healthy Kids News TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Certain risk factors in childhood can identify those who are more likely to suffer severe obesity in adulthood, a new study finds. The research included more than 12,000 participants from different countries who were followed from childhood in the 1970s and 1980s into adulthood. In childhood, 82% of the participants had normal weight, 11% were overweight, 5% were obese and 2% were severely obese. About 20 years later, 41% had normal weight, 32% were overweight, 15% were obese and 12% were severely obese, the findings showed. Obesity rates were higher among Americans than participants from other nations, according to the study, which was led by researchers at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Severe obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher. In the study, those who were severely obese as children had the highest risk of severe obesity as adults. But the researchers noted that more than one-third of severely obese adults had normal weight as children. “The risk of severe obesity in adulthood was substantially higher for girls than boys, for black participants than white, and for those with lower education levels,” […]
What is piperacillin/tazobactam sodium injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Zosyn is an injectable combination of two antibiotics, piperacillin and tazobactam, with broad spectrum activity against an extended range of bacterial species. Piperacillin is an extended-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, but it can be destroyed by an enzyme produced by bacteria called beta lactamase. Tazobactam inhibits beta lactamase and prevents the destruction of piperacillin. Therefore, tazobactam is given with piperacillin to enhance the activity of piperacillin in eradicating bacterial infections. Piperacillin kills bacteria by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. It binds preferentially to specific penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) located inside bacterial cell walls. PBPs vary among bacterial species, and thus susceptibility to piperacillin depends on the ability of piperacillin to bind to each species’ specific PBPs. In-vitro studies of piperacillin and tazobactam have shown that the combination has activity against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Susceptible bacteria include: Aerobic and facultative gram-positive microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus Aerobic and facultative gram-negative microorganisms: Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gram-negative anaerobes: Bacteroides fragilis group (B.fragilis, B. ovatus, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. vulgatus) Piperacillin and tazobactam was approved by the US Food […]
What are oral potassium supplements, and how do they work (mechanism of action)? Potassium preparations are used for supplementing potassium in order to treat or prevent low potassium levels in the blood (hypokalemia). Potassium is a major mineral (electrolyte) that is important for the function of every cell in the body. For example, it is important in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and kidney function. Normal daily dietary intake of potassium is 40-150 mEq. Potassium deficiency occurs when potassium loss exceeds intake. Potassium depletion may be caused by: Potassium deficiency causes: What brand names are available for oral potassium supplements? K-Dur, KLor Con, K-Tab, Klorvess, K-Lyte CL Are oral potassium supplements available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for oral potassium supplements? Yes What is potassium chloride used for? Potassium chloride is a supplement used to treat low blood levels of potassium, a condition called hypokalemia. What are the side effects of oral potassium supplements? Common reactions to potassium are primarily gastrointestinal and include: More important side effects include: high blood potassium levels, abnormal heart beats, bleeding or perforation of the stomach or small intestine from ulcers, and narrowing (stricture) of the small intestine from healed ulcers. […]
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Diet & Weight Management News TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — You’ve worked hard to curb mindless eating by not watching TV with a bag of chips in your lap, and you log everything you do eat in your smartphone app. But you could still be taking in more calories than you realize. The fact is that throughout each day, you’re bombarded by sneaky sources of extra calories that never get recorded in that journal of yours. And the result could sabotage your weight-loss diet or add unwanted weight. For instance, your office could be a diet war zone if bowls of candy sit on every other desk. That nibbling adds up, so swear off these caloric pit stops. The same goes for the lollipop bowl at your bank or dry cleaners. Go “hands-free” on the free samples at your favorite food stores — those tiny cups of mac and cheese and donut holes can add up as you walk the aisles. Be careful at home, too. Are you a repeat taste tester when cooking? Even if your recipes are healthy, every spoonful that passes your lips has calories, so limit yourself to one […]
Latest Diabetes News TUESDAY, Oct. 15, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for diabetic eye disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness, researchers report. Poor control of diabetes can result in damage to tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. It’s a leading cause of blindness in the United States. In some cases, tiny bulges protrude from the blood vessels and leak fluid and blood into the retina. This fluid can cause swelling (edema) in an area of the retina that enables clear vision and is called macular edema. In this study, researchers in Taiwan examined data from 51 patients over eight years at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei. They found that patients with diabetic macular edema had a much higher rate (80.6%) of severe sleep apnea than those without the eye condition (45.5%). The worse the sleep apnea, the more severe the macular edema, according to the study. The researchers also found that severe sleep apnea was more common patients who required more treatment to control their macular edema. These patients needed at least three medical or laser therapy treatments, according to the study. […]
What is donepezil, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Donepezil is an oral medication used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. It belongs to a class of drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors that also includes tacrine (Cognex). Scientists believe that Alzheimer’s disease may result from a deficiency in chemicals (neurotransmitters) used by nerves in the brain to communicate with one another. Donepezil inhibits acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the destruction of one neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. This leads to increased concentrations of acetylcholine in the brain, and the increased concentrations are believed to be responsible for the improvement seen during treatment with donepezil. Donepezil improves the symptoms but does not slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Donepezil was approved by the FDA in 1996. What brand names are available for donepezil? Aricept, Aricept ODT Is donepezil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for donepezil? Yes What are the uses for donepezil? Donepezil is used for the treatment of mild, moderate, or severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. What are the side effects of donepezil? The most common side effects associated with donepezil are: headache, generalized pain, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle cramping, […]
A new study in rodents reveals a key protein that may explain why chronic pain persists. The findings may lead to therapeutic agents that could “disrupt the maintenance of pain.”‘ New research in mice may help explain why chronic pain persists in humans. Chronic pain affects over 20% of the adult population in the United States, according to recent estimates. The term “chronic pain” describes any pain that lasts for longer than 3 months. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an underlying condition, an injury, surgery, or inflammation typically trigger chronic pain. However, in many cases, the cause remains unknown. While the initial trigger can explain why the pain started, the reason why it persists remains a mystery. Now, researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York may have uncovered a protein that explains why chronic pain won’t go away. Venetia Zachariou, Ph.D., who is a professor in the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, the Department of Pharmacological Sciences, and The Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine, is the last author of the paper. The findings appear in The Journal of Neuroscience. ‘RGS4 as a potential therapeutic target’ Prof. […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is a hormone. People use injections of synthetic epinephrine to treat severe allergic reactions. Learn more here.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
There is evidence that people with a history of major depression have lower connectivity between two particular brain areas when recalling feelings of guilt. Now, new research suggests that it is possible to strengthen this brain connectivity and increase self-esteem with a new type of neurofeedback training. Using a functional MRI scanner, researchers have shown that neurofeedback training can increase self-esteem in those with depression. A team of researchers from Brazil and the United Kingdom demonstrated that just one session of neurofeedback training using functional MRI (fMRI) can produce such a result. They report the findings of the proof-of-concept study in a recent NeuroImage: Clinical paper. Neurofeedback is a technique that allows people to learn how to influence their own brain activity by observing a representation of that activity in real time. Electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback has been around since the 1970s. Neurofeedback using fMRI, which uses imaging to look at brain activity, is a more recent development. Like EEG neurofeedback, fMRI neurofeedback is noninvasive, but it differs from the EEG approach in that it offers greater resolution of the brain region under observation. Previous study examined connectivity In an earlier study, the same team had already used fMRI to show […]
Vitamins are essential for good health, but consuming too much of certain vitamins can be damaging. A recent study explored B vitamin intake and the risk of hip fracture. Consuming vitamins B-6 and B-12 in large amounts may increase the risk of hip fracture. Vitamin and mineral supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the United States. According to one study, 52% of U.S. adults used supplements of some kind in 2011–2012. Although there is no doubt that some people need to take supplements, there is a growing concern that many people are taking more than they should. As the authors of the new study explain, “Both insufficient and excess intakes of a nutrient may be harmful.” In this study, the researchers were particularly interested in vitamins B-6 and B-12. Both carry out a wide array of roles in the body and occur in a range of foods. For many healthy people, it is fairly easy to consume adequate amounts of vitamins B-6 and B-12 from a balanced, varied diet. B vitamins and fracture risk Previously, the authors of the recent study published a secondary analysis using data from 6,837 people. In it, they found “an unexpected increased risk of hip […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a lung injury outbreak registered across the United States since the beginning of October. While the cause of the outbreak remains unknown, the CDC warn against using e-cigarettes, particularly those that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or nicotine. Healthcare professionals have recently associated vaping with an outbreak of lung injuries. Although vaping products and electronic cigarettes are often advertised as less harmful than regular cigarettes, the debate over the health effects of e-cigarettes is ongoing. While most reviews have concluded that the evidence is insufficient to make a judgment on the safety of e-cigarettes, a recent outbreak of lung injuries makes it difficult to ignore the potential harms of vaping devices. Currently, the CDC have recorded almost 1,300 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarettes. These cases occurred across 49 of the 50 states in the U.S., and 26 of the cases resulted in death. The CDC, together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other public health organizations, are currently investigating the outbreak. Until they find the cause, the CDC warn against using THC-containing products. They also advise that people “consider refraining” from using vaping products that contain […]
Is the desire for brightly colored turmeric causing a dangerous phenomenon? A new report discusses how companies in Bangladesh are adding lead chromate to turmeric to make it appear more yellow. Researchers have found high levels of toxic lead in the popular spice turmeric. What is lead chromate, and why do people use it to color turmeric? Lead chromate, a chemical compound comprising lead and chromium, is a yellow pigment that can enhance the brightness of a substance. It is also poisonous, acting as a neurotoxin when humans ingest or inhale it. Experts consider lead unsafe in any quantity as it leads to cognitive defects. Usually, manufacturers use lead chromate to give yellow and orange oils and paints their color. However, previous research has identified turmeric as a source of lead exposure across many turmeric-producing districts in Bangladesh. Turmeric is an essential spice that many people consume daily in South Asia. It also has some medicinal uses. It may potentially treat inflammation and have healing effects across many conditions, including cancer. Adulteration of spices is not unusual, and the addition of toxic agents to spices is common. However, the addition of lead chromate to turmeric threatens public health in Bangladesh. […]
What should you know about heartburn? A Woman with Heartburn Symptoms Heartburn is a symptom that feels like a burning in your chest, and is a symptom of acid reflux (GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease). Do most people get heartburn? Heartburn is more common during pregnancy. Most people get heartburn after meals, but can also awaken people while they are sleeping. People also may experience heartburn after eating specific foods or drinking certain beverages. What can heartburn be a sign or symptom of? Symptoms of acid reflux that may accompany heartburn include difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, stomach pain or burning in the upper abdomen, persistent sore throat, regurgitation of foods or liquids with a taste of acid in the throat, and persistent hoarseness or laryngitis. How can you tell if you are having a heart attack or heartburn? If you think that you are having a heart attack, call 911 immediately to save your life. A heart attack and heartburn can have the same symptoms, for example, be the same, for example, heartburn is a symptom of another disease or condition, for example, chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea and vomiting. Heart attack signs and symptoms that are not the […]
Latest Skin News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Certain eating habits, high levels of stress and exposure to pollution are among the greatest factors associated with acne, researchers say. They studied links to acne in more than 6,700 people from six countries in Europe and the Americas. The analysis showed that many more people with acne consume dairy products each day than those without acne — 48.2% versus 38.8%. The same was true for soda, juices or syrups (35.6% versus 31%); pastries and chocolate (37% versus 27.8%); as well as other sweets (29.7% versus 19.1%). The study also found that 11% of acne sufferers consume whey proteins compared to 7% of those without acne. And 11.9% of acne sufferers use anabolic steroids versus 3.2% of others. Exposure to pollution and stress was also more common among people with acne, and they were also more likely to use harsh skin care practices. The findings reflected an association with acne, but not a cause-and-effect link. The study was scheduled to be presented Saturday at a meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), in Madrid. Lead author Dr. Brigitte Dreno, head of dermatology at University Hospital of Nantes […]
Latest Sexual Health News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Taking opioids after a vasectomy doesn’t improve pain control and is associated with increased risk of persistent use of the addictive painkillers months later, a new study says. It included 228 men who had vasectomies performed by eight different urologists. Two of the urologists routinely prescribed opioids for pain after the surgery. The other six used other methods to control pain — over-the-counter medications (acetaminophen and ibuprofen), scrotal support and ice. In the 30 days after vasectomy, 15.7% of patients sought medical help for scrotal pain. That included 12.7% of men who received opioids after surgery and 18.4% of others, a difference that was not statistically significant, according to the researchers. Men who were initially prescribed opioids were less likely to receive a subsequent opioid prescription, 1.9% versus 9.5%. But men who were initially prescribed opioids had a significantly higher rate of persistent use three months later. “Alarmingly, 7.8% of patients in the opioid group had new persistent opioid use at 90 days compared to 1.5% in the non-opioid group,” Dr. David Barham and his colleagues at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu wrote in their study. It’s published […]
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Senior Health News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Middle-aged folks who worry about healthy aging would do well to keep an eye on their walking speed. Turns out that the walking speed of 45-year-olds is a pretty solid marker of how their brains and bodies are aging, a new study suggests. Slow walkers appear to be aging more rapidly, said senior researcher Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. They’ve lost more brain volume in middle-age than folks with a quicker walking pace, and also perform worse on physical and mental tests, she said. “For those people who were slow walkers for their age group, they already had many of the signs of failing health that are regularly tested in a geriatric clinic,” Moffitt said. In the study, middle-aged people who walked slower than 3.6-feet per second ranked in the lowest fifth when it comes to walking speed, and those are the individuals already showing signs of rapid aging, said Dr. Stephanie Studenski, a geriatrician with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “It takes many body systems to have you walk well,” Studenski said. “It takes a good […]
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Pregnancy News MONDAY, Oct. 14, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Men who use marijuana at least once a week are twice as likely to see their partner’s pregnancy end in miscarriage, compared to those who use no pot, new research suggests. Miscarriages related to frequent male pot use tended to occur within eight weeks of conception, which bolsters suspicions that marijuana use damages sperm in some essential way, said lead researcher Alyssa Harlow, a doctoral student at the Boston University School of Public Health. Some previous studies have indicated that pot use can lower sperm count and reduce the active movement of sperm, Harlow noted. There’s also a possibility that marijuana could cause DNA damage in sperm. “We would expect that the sperm was healthy enough to fertilize an egg, but any damage to the sperm might result in early pregnancy loss,” Harlow said. For the study, Harlow and her colleagues gathered data from more than 1,400 couples in the United States and Canada who were trying to conceive. Men were asked about their pot use — whether they used marijuana less than once a week on average, once or more a week, or never. About […]
(HealthDay News) — Pregnant women should not ride roller coasters or other jarring rides at the amusement park, says the American Pregnancy Association. Latest Pregnancy News The rapid starts and stops and jerky motions that characterize these rides can lead to premature separation of the placenta, the group says. Premature separation has occurred among many women in car accidents. Currently, there are no studies documenting the safety of thrill rides for pregnant women. But the American Pregnancy Association suggests playing it safe, recommending that pregnant women avoid such rides altogether. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Conception: The Amazing Journey from Egg to Embryo See Slideshow
FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A new mental health PSA in England is voiced by royal couples Prince Harry/Meghan Markle and Prince William/Kate Middleton and features celebrities such as Glenn Close and Gillian Anderson. Latest Mental Health News The PSA is called #EveryMindMatters and aims to “help people take simple steps to look after their mental health,” according to a tweet from Kensington Palace, CNN reported. The campaign was launched by Public Health England, in partnership with the UK’s health service. Prince Harry is also working with Oprah Winfrey on a documentary series about mental health, CNN reported. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW 17 Everyday Ways to Ease Depression See Slideshow
Flagyl (metronidazole) side effects list for healthcare professionals The following reactions have been reported during treatment with metronidazole: Central Nervous System The most serious adverse reactions reported in patients treated with metronidazole have been convulsive seizures, encephalopathy, aseptic meningitis, optic and peripheral neuropathy, the latter characterized mainly by numbness or paresthesia of an extremity. Since persistent peripheral neuropathy has been reported in some patients receiving prolonged administration of metronidazole, patients should be specifically warned about these reactions and should be told to stop the drug and report immediately to their physicians if any neurologic symptoms occur. In addition, patients have reported headache, syncope, dizziness, vertigo, incoordination, ataxia, confusion, dysarthria, irritability, depression, weakness, and insomnia. Gastrointestinal The most common adverse reactions reported have been referable to the gastrointestinal tract, particularly nausea, sometimes accompanied by headache, anorexia, and occasionally vomiting; diarrhea; epigastric distress; and abdominal cramping and constipation. Mouth A sharp, unpleasant metallic taste is not unusual. Furry tongue, glossitis, and stomatitis have occurred; these may be associated with a sudden overgrowth of Candida which may occur during therapy. Dermatologic Erythematous rash and pruritus. Hematopoietic Reversible neutropenia (leukopenia); rarely, reversible thrombocytopenia. Cardiovascular Flattening of the T-wave may be seen in electrocardiographic tracings. […]
By Adam Townsend on 10/14/2019 3:34 PM Latest Infectious Disease News Source: MedicineNet Health News In most of the U.S., mosquito nets and repellents go back into the closet around this time of year. But you might want to keep them out until the first frost; a deadly mosquito-borne tropical disease is on the rise and expected to continue late into mosquito season. Eastern Equine Encephalitis, also known as EEE, EEEV, and Triple E, has had outbreaks reported in six states according to CNN: Connecticut, Michigan, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and North Carolina. As of Oct. 3, at least 11 people had died and more than 30 cases had been confirmed. These seemingly low numbers may not seem serious, but this is a big jump in the number of cases. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control show a total of 30 deaths from the disease from the entire decade of 2009-2018. Public health officials are also tracking the disease in animals like horses, goats, and other domestic creatures. Two endangered Mexican gray wolf pups at the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan succumbed to the disease this month, according to a statement from the zoo. The good news, […]
Latest Heart News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Women are just as likely as men to survive after a heart transplant despite often getting poorer-quality donor hearts, new research shows. The findings, published this week in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Heart Failure, sought to shed new light on what role, if any, gender plays in surviving a heart transplant. Past research on post-transplant survival rates and gender have told conflicting stories. For the new study, researchers looked at data from 34,198 international heart transplant recipients from 2004 to 2014 and, after adjusting for recipient and donor factors, they found “no significant survival difference” between men and women. “That’s a pretty novel finding,” said study author Dr. Yasbanoo Moayedi, a postdoctoral medical fellow at Stanford University in California. “We already know that women are hugely under-represented as recipients of heart transplants, but the striking thing about the new findings is there’s no difference in survival when matched to their male counterparts.” The study also found women who get heart transplants appear to have lower-risk features than male recipients, with fewer instances of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, peripheral vascular disease and past cardiovascular surgery. Yet, […]
Latest Depression News SUNDAY, Oct. 13, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If you suffer from the winter blues, there are things you can do to make the season less depressing. Clinically known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it happens when there is less sunlight during the day, according to Jeannie Larson, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing. Less sunlight may affect your serotonin level, which affects your mood, and lower levels of serotonin are linked to depression, she said in a university news release. About 10% of people living in northern areas experience SAD. That’s about 5% of the population of the United States, Larson said. SAD is more common among women, and starts in one’s 20s and 30s. SAD can make you depressed, anxious and moody. It can also cause sleep and eating problems. You may sleep too much or too little, or gain weight. And you may feel too tired to carry out normal routines. People suffering from SAD also may avoid socializing and lose their sex drive. To combat SAD, Larson recommends spending 30 minutes outdoors every day. — Steven Reinberg Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCE: University of […]
Latest Cancer News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer, and a new study finds that the diagnosis of a suspect lesion gains accuracy when a specialist pathologist is brought on board. Many patients with melanoma are first diagnosed by general practitioners, dermatologists or plastic surgeons. A biopsy sample of the suspect lesion might then be sent to a general pathologist for further diagnosis, explained a team from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). However, getting a second opinion from a pathologist specially trained in skin lesions — a dermatopathologist — yields the most accurate results, the new study found. “A diagnosis is the building block on which all other medical treatment is based,” said study co-leader Dr. Joann Elmore, a professor of medicine and a researcher at the cancer center. Her team noted that, of all pathology fields, analysis of biopsies for skin lesions and cancers has one of the highest rates of diagnostic errors. Those errors can affect the lives of millions of patients each year. “On the other end of these biopsies are real patients: patients answering the late-night, anxiety-inducing phone […]
Latest Asthma News SATURDAY, Oct. 12, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Fall can be a challenging time of the year for kids with asthma, an expert says. “Although asthma can flare up for a number of reasons, a lot of people with allergies also have asthma, and asthma can be triggered by allergies. So the fall is a tough time for asthmatic sufferers,” said Dr. Gaurav Kumar, a pediatrician at LifeBridge Health in Baltimore. While many kids do well with their asthma during the summer, problems often accompany the return to school. “You go from taking these outdoor summer vacations to now being in a classroom again,” Kumar explained. “So now you’re in contact with people in closed spaces. And of course, what happens is germs are more likely to spread that way. So you could get colds from friends who have colds, and then that becomes a trigger for asthma.” Parents need to make sure their child’s asthma is under control. If a child stopped taking preventive asthma medications regularly during the summer, they should resume daily use now, Kumar advised. Children with asthma should have checkups at least once a year, and in some cases as often as three […]
Some people become more anxious as they attempt to relax because relaxing interrupts their worrying, according to new research. Relaxation techniques may have the opposite effect in some people. Although the intent of relaxation exercises is to reduce anxiety, for some people, they have the opposite effect. A new study concludes that, in these people, relaxation conflicts with a strategy that they employ to lessen the impact of negative events: continual worrying. The authors of the study were Michelle Newman, a professor of psychology, and Hanjoo Kim, a graduate student in psychology, both at Penn State University, in College Park, PA. The team summarized their findings in a paper that appears in the December issue of the Journal of Affective Disorders. Why worry? In 2011, Prof. Newman developed the theory of “contrast avoidance.” She explains, “The theory revolves around the idea that people may make themselves anxious intentionally, as a way to avoid the letdown they might get if something bad were to happen.” Worrying is, according to this theory, essentially an attempt to “pay in advance” for something that may happen. “This isn’t actually helpful,” says Prof. Newman. Yet, given that most of the things one is apt to […]
How do you encourage people to eat their greens? A new study shows that naming vegetable dishes with adjectives that promote their flavor increases positive thinking about healthful eating. New research examines the psychological effect of food descriptions. For some, a healthful diet means having to tolerate eating bland tasting, unsatisfying foods, which can seem like a punishment rather than an enjoyable eating experience. New research, appearing in the journal Psychological Science, shows that giving healthful dishes a more enticing description can significantly increase the uptake of healthful options. In the long term, this means that people are more likely to maintain good eating habits, leading to a sustainable, healthful diet and a better quality of life. Using previous research findings A few years ago, researchers from the University of Stanford, CA, teamed up with Stanford Residential & Dining Enterprises to trial a new approach to healthful eating. They removed the adjectives that described unhealthful foods and devised a system of naming healthful foods according to the flavors in the dish. For example, they used “twisted citrus glazed carrots” to make carrots sound tastier to eat, believing that most people prioritize tastiness over healthfulness in the moment of choice. From […]
Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis (Nr-axSpA) Symptom Back Pain There are many causes of pain in the back. Symptoms in the low back can be a result of problems in the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area. Pains in the upper back can also be a result of disorders of the aorta, chest tumors, and inflammation of spine. Common causes of lower back pain include strain injury from athletics or overuse, disc herniation, kidney infection, pinched nerve in the spine, and pregnancy. Less common causes of back pain include infection of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis with lumbosacral and sacroiliac joint disease, compression fracture of a spinal vertebra, disc ligament tear (annular tear), and spinal tumor or cancer in the bone of the spine. Read more about causes of back pain »
It is well-known that exercise is good for cardiac health, but older adults tend to fall through the cracks when it comes to rehabilitation programs. Now, a study has shown that these individuals have the most to gain. New research examines the effects of exercise on older adults in physical rehabilitation. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, being responsible for 1 in 4 deaths. Every year, approximately 610,000 people in the U.S. die of heart disease, while about 735,000 people have a heart attack. Adults over the age of 65 years are more likely than younger people to have heart disease because the heart changes with age. Heart disease is a significant cause of disability, according to the National Institute on Aging, who note that it affects the ability of millions of older people to be active and have a good quality of life. Now, a new study has confirmed the benefits of exercise for both physical ability and mental health, regardless of a person’s age. In fact, older people can benefit the most. The study, which features in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, showed that seniors gain the […]
New research finds that people who tend to walk more slowly at the age of 45 present with signs of premature accelerated aging, both physically and cognitively. New research suggests that a slower walking speed in midlife may be a marker of accelerated aging. Walking speed may be a powerful predictor of lifespan and health. A recent study, reported on by Medical News Today, found that the faster a person walks, the longer they may live, with older adults benefitting the most from a brisk pace. Medical professionals have long used gait speed as a marker of health and fitness among older adults, but the new research asks a slightly different question: Does a slow gait speed in midlife indicate and predict accelerated aging? Line J. H. Rasmussen, Ph.D., a researcher in the department of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, in Durham, NC, and colleagues set out to answer this question by examining data from 904 study participants. Rasmussen and the team published their findings in the journal JAMA Network Open. Cognition, overall health, and gait speed The researchers assessed participants’ data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a longitudinal cohort study of people living in Dunedin, […]
With climate change on people’s minds and livestock farming in trouble for greenhouse gas emissions, many people see vegetarianism as a positive step. A study suggests that offering a greater vegetarian selection could be a way to lure meat eaters into choosing more veggie meals. New research looks at ways to get more people to eat a vegetarian diet. Livestock farming gets a bad rap for its contribution to greenhouse gases, which trap heat and contribute to global warming. In the United States, agriculture contributes 9% of gas emissions to the atmosphere, much of which is down to livestock. By passing gas, ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, pass methane into the atmosphere. Methane is 25 times more powerful at trapping heat than carbon dioxide — and concentrations have more than doubled in the last 200 years. So, lowering methane levels in the atmosphere could have a significantly positive impact on the environment, which is why vegetarianism seems like a good solution. But, the question remains — how do you get meat lovers to choose vegetables over meat meals? A new study from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom shows that the solution could be as simple as […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
One hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease is the massing of tangles of tau protein in the brain. Now, a new study in mice proposes that a type of brain immune cell called microglia drives the tissue damage that is linked to tau clumping. Could deactivating microglia be the key to treating Alzheimer’s disease? Brain scans of people with Alzheimer’s disease have revealed that the brain damage that accompanies forgetfulness and confusion becomes visible soon after tau tangles start fusing into a mass. A recent Journal of Experimental Medicine paper explains how the microglia become active as the tau clumps begin to form. The study authors also showed that eliminating microglia greatly reduced tau-related damage in the brains of mice genetically modified to develop protein tangles. They suggest that the findings point to a new way to delay the dementia that tau-related brain damage causes in humans. “If you could target microglia in some specific way and prevent them from causing damage,” says senior study author David M. Holtzman, a professor of neurology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO, “I think that would be a really important, strategic, novel way to develop a treatment.” Toxic protein and […]
Inflammatory bowel diseases affect millions of people worldwide, causing debilitating symptoms. Researchers have been unsure about what factors cause these conditions. However, new research may now have identified a culprit — blood vessel dysfunction. Research shows, for the first time, that blood vessels likely play a role in IBD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 3 million people in the United States received a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 2015 alone. This was the latest year for which data are available. IBD is an umbrella term that refers primarily to Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are chronic conditions characterized by inflammation of the gut. Despite these conditions being so widespread and the fact that they can severely affect a person’s quality of life, researchers remain unsure which factors cause them. Now, a team of researchers from Universitätsklinikum Erlangen in Germany claims it may have made an important discovery. In a research paper featured in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, the investigators argue that certain dysfunctions in blood vessels are an important contributor to the development of IBD. The researchers also argue that eradicating these dysfunctions in blood vessels could significantly slow […]
Recent studies have shown that people with type 2 diabetes who lose weight lower their risk of cardiovascular problems. But what happens if, after a time, they regain the weight they had lost? New research warns that maintaining weight loss is crucial when it comes to reducing diabetes-associated cardiovascular risk. Overweight and obesity are two of the top risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, a metabolic condition in which the body is unable to process blood sugar effectively. Once someone does develop diabetes, doctors will often suggest making dietary adjustments, not just to help keep blood sugar levels in check but also for weight loss. The aim of this intervention is to help reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems that have an association with diabetes. Studies have confirmed that the more weight a person with diabetes loses, the more their cardiovascular risk diminishes. What happens, though, if a person regains some or all of that weight at some point? That is the question that researchers from Tufts University in Boston, MA, and the University of Connecticut in Storrs aimed to answer in a recent study. The study results — which appear in the Journal […]
A new study has introduced a promising blood test that health professionals may soon use to accurately detect brain cancer. A simple blood test could make a great difference for those with brain cancer. Dr. Matthew J. Baker, a reader in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, United Kingdom, is the lead author of the new research. He and his colleagues have now published their findings in the journal Nature Communications. Of the study, Dr. Baker says, “This is the first publication of data from our clinical feasibility study, and it is the first demonstration that our blood test works in the clinic.” Although it is quite rare, brain cancer often has a poor outlook. According to the National Cancer Institute, around 0.6% of people will develop brain cancer or another cancer of the nervous system in their lifetime. However, the 5 year survival rate for those who do receive such a diagnosis is less than 33%. Largely, the poor outlook is due to the fact that brain tumors have very nonspecific symptoms, which makes them more difficult to distinguish from other conditions. Study co-author Dr. Paul Brennan — a senior clinical […]
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Cold and Flu News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — If Australia was any indication, the flu season here will arrive early, so get your flu shot now, U.S. health officials said Thursday. While the flu that circulated in the Southern Hemisphere in the past six months seemed severe, that was more the result of an early arrival of the season and better reporting of cases, said Dr. Scott Epperson, an epidemiologist in the influenza division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We want to remind people that before influenza starts to circulate around the U.S., now’s a good time to get vaccinated and really start thinking about flu and get prepared for the upcoming season,” said Epperson, lead author of the flu update published Oct. 11 in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Luckily, this year’s vaccine looks like it will offer protection against the H1N1 and H3N2 strains that are circulating, he added. These components have been updated from last year’s vaccine to better match the strains being seen. The vaccine also seems well-matched to the two influenza B strains that have been seen so far. Still, flu […]
According to a report published this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of people with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis is rising. A new CDC report calls for increased action to prevent and treat STDs. Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its annual Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report, containing data from 2018. In it, they outline some worrying trends in the numbers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the report, the combined number of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia cases reached an all time high in 2018. In a companion press release, Dr. Gail Bolan, Director of the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, writes that this is the “fifth consecutive year of increases” for the three STDs. STDs in numbers Between 2017 and 2018, the number of gonorrhea cases increased by 5% to a total of 580,000 cases; this is the highest number of cases since 1991. As for chlamydia, cases hit the highest numbers ever recorded by the CDC. Compared with 2017, they were 3% higher, making a total of 1.7 million cases. The number of primary and secondary syphilis cases, which are the most infectious stages of syphilis, increased […]
Latest Women’s Health News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Despite the fact that intrauterine devices, or IUDs, are extremely effective forms of birth control, one expert thinks many women don’t have all the facts when considering the option. Ob-gyn Dr. M. Kathleen Borchardt, from Houston Methodist Health System, is hoping to set the record straight with five basic facts about IUDs. First off, when your doctor puts an IUD in place in the uterus, it’s tolerable, even if it can be a bit uncomfortable, she said. “A woman will feel some mild to moderate pain, similar to intense cramps, for about 30 seconds during IUD placement, but there are ways to make you more comfortable,” Borchardt explained in a Houston Methodist news release. “First, your doctor can ease anxiety by walking you through each step of the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, before placement can help. In some cases, your doctor can also prescribe something to help make placement easier. We do not want women to avoid IUDs because of these fears, so please talk to your doctor about your concerns and ways they can help decrease discomfort,” she said. Secondly, there are two […]
(HealthDay News) — More than 5,000 motorcyclists were killed in crashes in 2017 alone, says the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Latest Prevention & Wellness News To stay safer on the road, the agency encourages motorcyclists to: Practice operating your motorcycle before taking it into traffic. Check your motorcycle’s tire pressure, tread depth, breaks, lights and fluid levels before riding. Wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards and proper body protection. Obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings. Stay alcohol- and drug -ree. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW 8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More in Pictures See Slideshow
(HealthDay News) — Thousands of Americans die each year from choking. The American Red Cross describes first aid to help prevent this type of death: Give five back blows. To do so, bend the person forward at the waist and give five back blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of one hand. Give five abdominal thrusts. To do so, place a fist against the middle of the person’s abdomen. Cover your first with your other hand. Give five quick, upward abdominal thrusts. Continue sets of five back blows and five abdominal thrusts until the object is forced out, the person can cough or breathe, or the person becomes unconscious. Latest Prevention & Wellness News If a choking person becomes unconscious, call 911 immediately. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW 8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More in Pictures See Slideshow
By Steven ReinbergHealthDay Reporter Latest Neurology News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The more years football players play the game, the higher their odds of developing the degenerative brain disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a new study finds. Adding to the growing evidence of the link between football and CTE, samples from the brains of dead pro and amateur players showed the risk for CTE went up with playing time. “While we don’t yet know absolute risk of developing CTE among football players, this study found that the risk of developing CTE increased by 30% per year played,” said researcher Dr. Ann McKee, director of Boston University’s CTE Center. For every three years played, the odds for CTE doubled, and for those with CTE, every five years they played doubled the risk for severe CTE, the researchers found. “This study provides compelling evidence that one of the strongest risk factors between CTE pathology and contact sports-associated repetitive head trauma is duration,” said Kevin Bieniek, director of the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. The longer contact sport athletes participate in a setting where […]
Latest Menopause News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Menopause before age 50 puts women at increased risk of nonfatal heart conditions, and the earlier menopause occurs, the greater the risk, new research suggests. Researchers analyzed data from more than 300,000 women who were part of 15 studies around the world, and found that women who reached menopause before age 50 were more likely to have a nonfatal heart problem, such as a heart attack, angina or stroke. “Women under 40 who experience premature menopause were nearly twice as likely to have a nonfatal cardiovascular event before the age of 60. This is compared to women who reach menopause between the ages of 50 or 51, during what is considered the standard developmental period,” said senior study author Gita Mishra. She’s a professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland, in Australia. Women who entered menopause between ages 40 and 44 were 40% more likely to have a heart condition, Mishra added. Previous research has shown a link between early menopause and fatal heart problems, the study authors explained in a university news release. “The relationship with nonfatal cardiovascular events was unclear until now,” Mishra […]
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Healthy Kids News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There’s a healthy new twist in the farm-to-table movement: Getting farm-fresh food to school lunchrooms and even having students grow their own crops as part of learning. Colorado was a pioneer in passing the “Farm-to-School Healthy Kids Act” in 2010. The move was designed to increase the use of local farm and ranch products in school food service programs to both improve childhood nutrition and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy. Today, a handful of other states have similar programs. Some schools also have added programs for growing food to their curriculum. An example is in place at Community School 55 in New York’s South Bronx, thanks to the Green Bronx Machine. Educator Stephen Ritz founded the nonprofit as an after-school alternative program for high schoolers. It’s fully integrated into the core curriculum from kindergarten through high school. Students have grown tens of thousands of pounds of vegetables that go from classroom-to-community. Ritz turned an underutilized library into the National Health, Wellness and Learning Center, considered the nation’s first career technical education elementary school. The program features a year-round, indoor vertical farm that grows crops regardless […]
Latest Healthy Kids News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The cerebellum does not affect reading ability in people with dyslexia, according to a new study that challenges a controversial theory. The cerebellum is a brain structure traditionally involved in motor function. Some researchers have suggested in the past that it plays a role in dyslexia-related reading problems. This new study disputes that theory and could lead to improved treatment of dyslexia, according to scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. “Prior imaging research on reading in dyslexia had not found much support for this theory … but these studies tended to focus on the cortex,” explained study first author Sikoya Ashburn, a Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience. “Therefore, we tackled the question by specifically examining the cerebellum in more detail. We found no signs of cerebellar involvement during reading in skilled readers nor differences in children with reading disability,” Ashburn said in a Georgetown news release. In the study, the researchers used functional MRI to monitor brain activation in 23 children with and 23 children without dyslexia while they read. The results showed that the cerebellum is not engaged during reading in typical readers and does not […]
By Karina Lichtenstein on 10/12/2019 11:59 AM Latest Infectious Disease News Source: MedicineNet Health News Every year, news stories appear of people killed by flesh-eating bacteria, also known as necrotizing fasciitis. Many cases are contracted during recreational water activities, though some recent cases have been linked to manicures and nail salons. Here are four fast facts about flesh-eating bacteria. Fact #1: It Has Multiple Causes “Different types of bacterial infection can cause necrotizing fasciitis,” according to Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD, of MedicineNet. He said the illness is caused by multiple bacteria or fungi, including Streptococcus bacteria and Clostridium bacteria. Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) is the most common cause of the illness. Vibrio vulnificus may also cause the illness. Vibrio vulnificus infections seem limited to coastal areas with warm water where the organisms are found associated with seafood and contaminated water, Dr. Davis said. Fact #2: Bacteria Enter Through a Break in the Skin According to Dr. Davis, if you have a cut, scrape, surgical wound, puncture wound, or insect bite, bacteria can enter your system. The bacteria causes necrosis or death of tissue and fasciitis, which is inflammation of the fascia. Fact #3: The Illness Is Serious, […]
Latest Heart News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — When family demands affect work performance or work demands undermine family obligations, the resulting stress may contribute to decreased heart health, particularly among women, a new study finds. The study, published Thursday in the Journal of the American Heart Association, adds another factor for doctors and patients to evaluate in treating cardiovascular problems, said the study’s senior author, Dr. Itamar Santos, a professor at the University of São Paulo and a researcher in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health. “There are very consistent results showing that people under higher stress have more cardiovascular disease,” he said. “We wanted to specifically study the effect of work-family conflict.” Santos and his colleagues studied more than 11,000 workers in Brazil between ages 35 and 74. The workers filled out questionnaires based on a model that measures the impact of work on family life, and vice versa. Their heart health was scored using questionnaires, clinical exams and laboratory results for health metrics, including smoking, body mass index, diet, physical activity, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar level. The study found lower cardiovascular health scores most evident in women who reported a […]
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Exercise & Fitness News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The most common misconception about weight training is that it adds bulky muscle mass, a fear of some women. While elite male lifters can — and want to — get very developed, for most people the result is simply well-toned muscles. Other benefits are increased mobility, more support for your joints and the ability to stay self-sufficient into your late years. As an added bonus, having more muscle can also help you with your weight goal. That’s because the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate and the more calories you burn. Add a calorie cut into the mix and you’ll lose weight. Muscle is denser than fat and it also takes up less room. That’s why you can look leaner yet actually weigh more than someone without muscle definition. To make the most of strength training, lift heavier weights than you think you’re able to. Yes, challenge yourself, staying within safe limits. You don’t want to try to lift a weight you can barely pick up off the weight rack, but most people underestimate the amount they can handle or fail […]
By Serena GordonHealthDay Reporter Latest Diabetes News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Hurricanes can harm anyone in their path, but new research suggests that seniors with diabetes face a 40% increased risk of dying within the first month after a storm hits. It’s not just the first month they have to worry about: The study also found seniors with diabetes still had a 6% higher risk of dying even up to 10 years later. “We compared seniors with diabetes in affected areas to those who were much less affected by storms and found two big results. One is that in overall mortality, there’s a pretty big initial hit. The effect dissipated over time, but still persisted at 10 years,” said study author Troy Quast. He’s an associate professor of health economics in the University of South Florida College of Public Health. Quast said the largest difference was seen in seniors who had to relocate after a big storm. “We definitely don’t have great insight into why mortality rates were higher in this group. This is speculation, but initially, people might not have access to care or might not be able to find dialysis and have trouble reestablishing healthy […]
FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Doctors should be more cautious when taking chronic pain patients off opioid painkillers, according to a new U.S. Department of Health and Human Services guidance released Thursday. Latest Chronic Pain News The recommendation comes in response to concerns that many doctors have been halting opioid prescriptions too quickly, and even dismissing patients from their practice in some cases, according to The New York Times. In 2016, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines that urged primary care doctors to be more cautious when prescribing opioids. The latest guidance tackles the other side of that equation, including outlining the potential harms to patients who abruptly stop taking opioids and explaining factors to consider and measures to take before starting to ease patients off the drugs, The Times reported. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SLIDESHOW Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain See Slideshow
Latest Cancer News FRIDAY, Oct. 11, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Chemotherapy can be hard on the heart, but an individualized exercise program may mitigate some of that damage, new research suggests. Heart problems are a common side effect in patients with cancer because cancer treatments can impair heart function and structure or accelerate development of heart disease, especially when patients have risk factors such as high blood pressure, according to the authors. They also noted that heart disease and cancer often share the same risk factors, and that cancer patients are often advised to have a healthy diet, quit smoking, control their weight, and exercise. The review paper, published online Oct. 6 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, emphasizes the importance of each patient having an individual exercise plan that takes into account personal history, cancer treatment, response to exercise and personal preferences. The researchers advised that exercise should start as soon as possible after cancer diagnosis, even before starting treatment such as chemotherapy. “Cancer patients are often less active than adults without cancer,” said study author Dr. Flavio D’Ascenzi, a cardiologist from the University of Siena in Italy. “However, exercise is essential for patients diagnosed with cancer who […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Cancer News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Early treatment with an immune-boosting therapy might improve the outlook of young children with an advanced form of cancer, a new small study suggests. The trial involved 43 children with high-risk neuroblastoma, a cancer that starts in immature nerve cells. Researchers found that a new treatment approach — involving an experimental antibody given right off the bat — started to quickly beat back the cancer in most kids. After two years, most were still free of a relapse or cancer progression, according to findings published online Oct. 10 in the journal Clinical Cancer Research. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer that primarily affects babies and children younger than 5. Each year in the United States, about 800 children are diagnosed with the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Roughly half of those children are diagnosed after the cancer has spread and is considered “high-risk.” Treatment in such cases is aggressive: The typical regimen starts with high-dose chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove any remaining visible tumors. Next comes additional chemo, followed by a stem cell transplant to rebuild the immune system, and then radiation. In more […]
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
You have chosen to share the following article: How elderberries can help you fight the flu To proceed, simply complete the form below, and a link to the article will be sent by email on your behalf.Note: Please don’t include any URLs in your comments, as they will be removed upon submission. We do not store details you enter into this form. Please see our privacy policy for more information. Message sent successfully The details of this article have been emailed on your behalf. Click here to return to the Medical News Today home page.
A novel test that looks for a molecular fingerprint in needle biopsies could help improve the diagnosis of thyroid cancer and reduce unnecessary surgeries, according to new research. A new thyroid cancer test could prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. A recent PNAS paper describes the new test and how it performed in a pilot study. The findings showed the new method to be faster and around two-thirds more accurate than those that doctors currently rely on to diagnose thyroid cancer. The researchers say that larger trials now need to validate these early findings before doctors can start using the new test as part of routine clinical diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Should the larger studies confirm the findings, the new test could prevent thousands of unnecessary partial or total thyroid removals each year in the United States. Many patients who undergo thyroid removal have to take hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives. “If we could prevent people from having surgery they don’t need and enable them to have a more precise diagnosis,” says co-senior study author Livia S. Eberlin, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and diagnostic medicine at The University of Texas at Austin, “we can improve treatment for […]
New research might have found an explanation for why outdoor air pollution is likely to cause hair loss. New research sheds light on what causes hair loss. Hair loss affects around two-thirds of men under the age of 35 in the United States, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Also, almost 85% of men lose a significant amount of hair after the age of 50. Women also experience hair loss. In fact, a condition called androgenetic alopecia affects around 30 million women in the U.S., as well as 50 million men. The causes of hair loss are unclear. Although researchers think that genes play a key role, there remain a significant number of unknown environmental factors that may also affect hair loss risk. New research has looked into pollution as a potential trigger for hair loss. Importantly, it sheds light on a potential mechanism that may explain how air pollution causes hair loss. Hyuk Chul Kwon — from the Future Science Research Centre in the Republic of Korea — is the lead author of the study, which the team presented at the 28th European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress. This year, the congress takes place between October […]
In the first study of its type, researchers conclude that even a brief shift in dietary habits can alleviate the symptoms of depression in young adults. The findings offer hope, but more work is needed. Is there a link between healthful food and good mental health? Science has now clearly established the impact of poor diet on overall physical health. Consuming large amounts of processed and sugary foods increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. More recently, researchers have begun to focus on the impact of healthful or unhealthful eating on mental health. In fact, as the authors of the latest study explain, diet is now considered a “modifiable risk factor for depression.” Although evidence is mounting, most of it is observational. In other words, currently, it is difficult to ascertain whether eating a healthful diet staves off depression or whether experiencing depression drives unhealthful eating habits. Filling a gap According to the authors, to date, only one randomized control trial has investigated a dietary intervention on adults with a clinical diagnosis of depression. The 12-week study concluded that “dietary improvement may provide an efficacious and accessible treatment strategy for the management of [major depression].” The latest study, […]
By Dennis ThompsonHealthDay Reporter Latest Prevention & Wellness News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Married folks not only live longer than singles, but the longevity gap between the two groups is growing, U.S. government health statisticians report. The age-adjusted death rate for the married declined by 7% between 2010 and 2017, according to a new study from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Not only is the rate for married lower, but it’s declining more than any other group,” said lead author Sally Curtin, an NCHS statistician. Statistically, death rate is the annual number of deaths for every 100,000 people. It’s adjusted so that a 26-year-old and an 80-year-old married or widowed or divorced are on equal footing. The new study reported that the death rate for never-marrieds declined only 2%, while that for divorced people hasn’t changed at all. Worst off were the widowed, for whom the death rate rose 6%. They have the highest death rate of all the categories, researchers said. Married men in 2017 had an age-adjusted death rate of 943 per 100,000, compared to 2,239 for widowers. The death rate was 1,735 […]
Source: iStock Croup definition and facts Croup is an infection of the larynx, trachea, and the bronchial tubes usually caused by viruses. Less frequently, croup may be caused by bacteria. Croup is contagious, especially during the first few days of the illness. Teens and adults can develop a respiratory infection from the viruses that are associated with what is traditionlly is considered croup in younger children. However, since the upper airway (trachea and larnyx) in teens and adults are larger, the classic “bark” cough and “Darth Vader” sound (an abnormal, high-pitched sound while n inhaling). A cough that sounds like a barking seal and a harsh raspy “Darth Vader” sound during inhalation are symptoms of croup. Spasmodic croup is a distinct type of croup infection. Initially, the child has no associated signs and symptoms of the infection, for example, fever, runny nose, or sore throat. Classically, a healthy child with spasmodic croup is put to bed and awakens in the early morning with respiratory distress characterized by the barking cough and deep pitched sounds while inhaling. A child with spasmodic croup will have a moderately hoarse voice. Symptoms diminish and often by midday, the child is “back to normal,” only […]
Latest Healthy Kids News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — America’s child obesity epidemic shows no signs of shrinking. About 4.8 million American kids aged 10 to 17 — just over 15% — were obese in 2017-2018, according to a new report. “These new data show that this challenge touches the lives of far too many children in this country,” said Dr. Richard Besser, the president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which produced the new report. It found that the five states with the highest youth obesity rates were Mississippi (25.4%), West Virginia (20.9%), Kentucky (20.8%), Louisiana (20.8%) and Michigan (18.9%). The lowest rates were seen in Utah (8.7%), Minnesota (9.4%), Alaska (9.9%), Colorado (10.7%) and Montana (10.8%). Progress against child obesity seems to have stalled: The report’s authors said that no states had statistically significant changes in obesity rates between 2016 and 2017-2018. The report also noted large racial and ethnic disparities. Obesity rates among black and Hispanic youth (22% and 19%, respectively) were sharply higher than among whites and Asians (about 12% and 7%, respectively). “Black and Hispanic youth are still at greater risk than their white and Asian peers,” Besser said in a […]
(HealthDay News) — From wanting attention to communicating their feelings, children bite for a variety of reasons, says the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Latest Healthy Kids News When addressing your child’s biting habit, the association suggests: Watch your child to learn where, when and in what situations biting occurs. Pay attention to signals. Step in if your child seems ready to bite. Suggest appropriate ways to express strong feelings. Teach your child words for setting limits, such as “no,” “stop,” or “that’s mine.” Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION The abbreviated term ADHD denotes the condition commonly known as: See Answer
THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A salmonella outbreak linked to pet turtles has sickened 21 people in 13 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Latest Infectious Disease News Seven people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported, the CDC said in an update about the ongoing investigation. Any turtle can carry salmonella, even it if appears clean and healthy. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after touching, feeding, or caring for a turtle or cleaning its habitat, the CDC advised. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. Copyright © 2019 HealthDay. All rights reserved. QUESTION Bowel regularity means a bowel movement every day. See Answer
By Karina Lichtenstein on 10/12/2019 11:59 AM Latest Infectious Disease News Source: MedicineNet Health News A student at Broward County middle school in Cooper City, Florida, has contracted mumps, according to school officials. Parents received a letter Friday informing them of the case and warning them to monitor their children for symptoms of the viral illness. Mumps outbreaks have also been reported at High Point University and Elon University in North Carolina. As of October 8th, officials at High Point University reported 11 confirmed cases of mumps on campus, and Elon University reported 6 confirmed cases of mumps. “Mumps is a vaccine-preventable viral infection transmitted by and affecting only humans,” according to MedicineNet author John Mersch, MD, FAAP. The illness causes headache, fever, muscle aches, and characteristic parotid gland swelling. The parotid gland is located in front and below the ear and behind the jaw bone. Like the flu, mumps is highly contagious. People with mumps can spread the virus through their saliva or through airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze. Most cases last for seven to 10 days and resolve spontaneously, Dr. Mersch said. Potential serious health complications of mumps include meningitis, encephalitis, deafness, and orchitis (inflammation of […]
Latest Heart News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Scenesse (afamelanotide), a melanocortin-1 receptor agonist, for adult patients with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria, the agency announced yesterday. Scenesse is a subcutaneous implant designed to increase pain-free light exposure in this rare patient population. The implant increases the production of eumelanin in the skin independent of exposure to sunlight or artificial light. The approval of Scenesse was based on data from two parallel-group clinical trials of patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria who received Scenesse or placebo subcutaneously every two months. In the first clinical trial of 93 patients, 48 received Scenesse. Patients receiving Scenesse spent a median of 64 hours in direct sunlight with no pain during 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. over 180 days compared with a median of 41 hours for patients who received placebo. In the second trial of 74 patients, 38 received Scenesse. This trial did not include sun exposure on days when patients reported spending time in both direct sunlight and shade. Patients receiving Scenesse reported spending a median of six hours outdoors pain-free between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when “most of the […]
By Alan MozesHealthDay Reporter Latest Heart News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Money may not buy happiness, but a bigger paycheck is good for your heart. And new research suggests the reverse is also true: When income drops, your risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure goes up. “One could argue that the fraying social and economic fabric of American society is, quite literally, killing us,” said Dr. Edward Havranek, a professor of medicine and cardiology with the Denver Health Medical Center. He added that the link between income and heart health has significant “public policy” implications. For the study, researchers tracked income and heart health among nearly 9,000 adults in four areas in the United States. Their income was checked twice: from 1987 to 1989, and again between 1993 and 1995. Heart health was monitored through 2016. Over that time, one in 10 saw their household income plummet by more than 50%. And the loss of income corresponded to a “significantly” higher risk of cardiovascular disease (including heart attack, fatal coronary heart disease, heart failure or stroke) compared to participants whose earnings were stable, the findings showed. In contrast, cardiovascular disease risk dropped significantly among the […]
By Elizabeth HeubeckHealthDay Reporter Latest Depression News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Kids have long heard the refrain: Eat your vegetables to grow up big and strong. But a healthy diet may make you happier, too, according to Australian researchers. That was the effect eating healthier had in a small study of young adults with poor diets and moderate-to-high symptoms of depression. Those who embraced healthier food choices reported less anxiety and much better moods within weeks, according to findings published Oct. 9 in the journal PLOS ONE. “There is certainly evidence that eating a diet high in processed foods increases the risk of depression,” said study lead author Heather Francis, a lecturer in neuropsychology at Macquarie University in Sydney. The study included 76 university students between 17 and 35 years of age. All reported eating a diet heavy in processed foods, sugar and saturated fats. They also reported feelings of sadness, decreased ability to feel pleasure and lack of motivation in the previous week. Half of the participants were coached to add fruit, vegetables, fish and olive oil to their diet and reduce processed foods. They received $60 toward groceries and two check-in phone calls. The others […]
By Len CanterHealthDay Reporter Latest Chronic Pain News THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Sore from a workout? You don’t have to reach for pain relief medicine when ice or heat will help. But when should you go cold and when should you go warm? Ice is the go-to therapy when an injury first happens. It can stop the swelling of a sprained ankle, for instance, and numb the pain. The traditional approach is 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off at first. You might step this down to 20 minutes every two or three hours on the second and third days. If you have a long-term injury, icing the area for 10 to 20 minutes after a workout can be soothing. Ice options include a plastic bag of crushed ice, a reusable ice pack or even a bag of peas that can be refrozen for use again — label it so no one eats them. Whatever you use, always place a thin towel between the ice and your skin to prevent skin damage. Once the swelling of an injury is gone, you can switch to heat. Heat eases discomfort and promotes healing. With a chronic condition like arthritis, it […]
Latest Cholesterol News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (American Heart Association News) — Like many 10-year-olds, Lara Asch loved burgers and fries, pasta and pizza. Although she was staying active with gym classes at school, plus tennis and dance, her body began to show signs she may not be healthy. “My stomach was getting bigger and I just wasn’t comfortable with that,” she said. Lara’s parents, both cardiologists, also noticed. “Her legs and arms seemed normal, so we couldn’t figure out why,” said Dr. Federico Asch, Lara’s dad. “Like any other kid, she’d eat some sweets, but she really wasn’t a bad eater.” At Lara’s annual checkup in June 2018, Federico pressed her doctor for answers. Lara underwent several tests. “Her LDL, or bad, cholesterol was high,” Federico said. “But the biggest thing was that her triglycerides were enormously high.” The numbers were in such “total disarray,” he said, that doctors repeated the tests a few weeks later. They got a similar result. An estimated 7% of U.S. children and adolescents ages 6 to 19 have high total cholesterol, but only about half have ideal levels for HDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol, according to a recent analysis in the American Medical […]
Latest Cancer News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Cases of deadly melanomas on the head and neck rose more than 51% over two decades among young people in the United States and Canada, a new study reports. Researchers found that the incidence of head and neck melanoma rose nearly 4% a year from 1995 to 2001, and 1.2% a year from 2001 to 2014 in children and young adults. Using data from a North American cancer registry, the investigators looked at patients from infancy to age 39 who were diagnosed with head and neck melanoma between 1995 and 2014. During that time, nearly 12,500 people were diagnosed with the cancer. Of those, 55% were boys and men, and 91% lived in the United States, the study found. “This is an important finding because melanoma in other parts of the body are usually more common in females than males,” said study co-author Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters. He is an assistant professor in the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at St. Louis University School of Medicine. “It is therefore important that melanoma prevention campaigns do not only focus on young women,” he explained. The researchers zeroed in on melanoma of the […]
By Amy NortonHealthDay Reporter Latest Arthritis News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Humans may lack the salamander skill of regrowing a limb, but a new study suggests they do have some capacity to restore cartilage in their joints. The findings run counter to a widely held belief: Because the cartilage cushioning your joints lacks its own blood supply, your body can’t repair damage from an injury or the wear-and-tear of aging. And that, in part, is why so many people eventually develop osteoarthritis, where broken-down cartilage causes pain and stiffness in the joints. But that lack of blood supply does not mean there’s no regenerative capacity in the cartilage, according to Dr. Virginia Byers Kraus, the senior researcher on the new study. In fact, her team found evidence that human cartilage can, to some degree, renew itself, using a molecular process similar to the one that allows a salamander to grow a new limb. The researchers are calling it the “inner salamander capacity.” “For the first time, we have evidence that the joint has the capacity to repair itself,” said Kraus, a professor at Duke University School of Medicine, in Durham, N.C. Specifically, she explained, that capability exists […]
Latest Alzheimer’s News WEDNESDAY, Oct. 9, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Are some tests designed to measure memory declines missing signs of trouble in women? New research suggests that might be the case. More women than men were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) when sex-specific scores were used on memory tests, researchers report. They explained that women generally score higher on verbal memory tests than men, even when they have the same levels of brain changes. Therefore, memory scores based on gender, rather than averages for both men and women, may be more revealing for women with possible brain issues. People with MCI have problems with memory and thinking skills, and the condition is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. “If women are inaccurately identified as having no problems with memory and thinking skills when they actually have mild cognitive impairment, then treatments are not being started and they and their families are not planning ahead for their care or their financial or legal situations,” said study author Erin Sundermann, from the University of California, San Diego. “And for men who are inaccurately diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, they can be exposed to unneeded medications, along […]
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Almost one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime. There are roughly one million cases reported in the United States annually. Even though you may be living a healthy lifestyle, you could still be at risk.
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