In addition to lacking any benefits for children, infant walkers pose a significant risk of injury. But they are still being used in many U.S. homes, researchers say. The study, from investigators in the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospitals, was published online in September 2018 in Pediatrics. The study examined… Continue reading Despite Warnings, Many U.S. Families Still Use Infant Walkers
Author: Jane Farrell
Can Plastic Surgery Make You Look Older? Yes . . .
The goal of cosmetic surgery is to make a patient look like a refreshed, enhanced version of herself. Many women seek cosmetic surgery to turn back the clock, which is a respectable, personal choice. But there is a downside: the expressionless, puffy, distorted look that makes some women appear older than they are. Here are… Continue reading Can Plastic Surgery Make You Look Older? Yes . . .
Cardiovascular-Related Deaths Higher for U.S. Hispanics Who Live in Counties with Higher Hispanic Population
Hispanics living in the U.S. face more cardiovascular-related death in counties heavily populated by Hispanics than those living in more diverse areas, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. A decade of national data showed that Hispanic ethnic density, or… Continue reading Cardiovascular-Related Deaths Higher for U.S. Hispanics Who Live in Counties with Higher Hispanic Population
In-Class Physical Exercise Won’t Disrupt Learning, Teaching
Researchers have found that incorporating brief bursts of physical exercise into grade-school classes doesn’t disrupt teaching or learning and appears to have a positive effect on the kids’ mood. Schools have a federally mandated 30 minutes of physical activity every day, but physical education offerings are dwindling, according to a news release from the University… Continue reading In-Class Physical Exercise Won’t Disrupt Learning, Teaching
A New View of Chronic Pain
The effect of a new concept known as High Impact Chronic Pain (HICP) is as likely among people with chronic pain as it is among people with kidney failure, emphysema or stroke, according to the National Institutes of Health. In a press release citing a new study, the NIH said that 11 million U.S. adults… Continue reading A New View of Chronic Pain
Living a Healthier (Not Longer) Life
Clinicians, scientists and public health professionals have extended the human lifespan to its limits, and now need to focus on a “healthspan” instead that emphasizes health over longevity, according to University of Illinois at Chicago epidemiologist S. Jay Olshansky. In an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Olshansky, professor of epidemiology… Continue reading Living a Healthier (Not Longer) Life
Can Sugar Dissolve Your Memory?
Recent studies conclude that high glucose levels can negatively affect memory and impair cognition. In fact, individuals with diabetes, a condition that causes elevated high blood sugar levels, are known to have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia. It seems that the brain in type II diabetes, just like the… Continue reading Can Sugar Dissolve Your Memory?
10 Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Seniors
If you’ve ever cared for an elderly loved one you know how challenging it can be. The fact is that it’s difficult to watch someone close to you struggle mentally and physically, and being there for them around the clock can take a toll on you. What are the best ways to cope and make… Continue reading 10 Dos and Don’ts of Caring for Seniors
Intellectual, Social, Physical Activities Can Reduce Risk of Memory Loss Among Blacks
Blacks have nearly twice the rate of dementia as whites, putting them at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. But a new study shows that blacks with mild cognitive impairment – often a precursor to dementia – can reduce the risk of memory loss through a “behavioral intervention” that involves increasing social, cognitive and/or physical activity.… Continue reading Intellectual, Social, Physical Activities Can Reduce Risk of Memory Loss Among Blacks
Worms Subjected to Stress Show Permanent Negative Effects
Worms whose sexual maturation was deliberately short-circuited by lack of food showed lasting effects, with the worms acting like juveniles even after they were adults, according to a new study. “We found that environmental stress [such as lack of food] can permanently and profoundly impact the connectivity of a developing nervous system,” said Oliver Hobert,… Continue reading Worms Subjected to Stress Show Permanent Negative Effects
Would You Record Your Doctor Visit?
Most people have never recorded a visit with their doctor, while 28 percent of doctors have done so for their patients, according to a new study. Healthcare researchers have speculated that with more than 75 percent of Americans owning a smartphone, the practice of recording a doctor visit is increasing. The study, from The Dartmouth… Continue reading Would You Record Your Doctor Visit?
Get Ahead of Sepsis
Infections can put you and your family at risk for a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It’s what happens when an infection you already have – in your skin, lungs, urinary tract, or somewhere else – triggers a chain reaction through your body. It’s life-threatening, and without… Continue reading Get Ahead of Sepsis
Study First to Report Sexual Behavior Norms for U.S. Adults with Dementia Living at Home
Most people with dementia who have partners and live at home are sexually active, according to new research. But people with cognitive impairment and dementia often have sexual function problems they don’t discuss with their doctor. The findings, from a University of Chicago Medicine study, were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.… Continue reading Study First to Report Sexual Behavior Norms for U.S. Adults with Dementia Living at Home
Beware of Bogus Cancer Fundraisers
Crowdfunding for alternative cancer therapies has soared in recent years. But researchers fear that huge sums are being raised for treatments that aren’t backed by evidence and may even, in some cases, do harm. The study, by the Good Thinking Society, a British charity that promotes scientific thinking, was published by The BMJ. Because of… Continue reading Beware of Bogus Cancer Fundraisers
Staying Physically Active with Alzheimer’s
Being active and getting exercise helps people with Alzheimer’s disease feel better. Exercise helps keep their muscles, joints, and heart in good shape. It also helps people stay at a healthy weight and have regular toilet and sleep habits. You can exercise together to make it more fun. You want someone with Alzheimer’s to do… Continue reading Staying Physically Active with Alzheimer’s
How to Treat Deep, Painful Pimples
If you’ve ever gone to bed with clear skin and woken up with a massive, painful pimple on your face, you’re not alone. According to members of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne comes in many… Continue reading How to Treat Deep, Painful Pimples
Do You Have a Disaster Plan?
As the devastating flood Florence shows, extreme weather costs dozens of lives and billions of dollars in damage. What would you do if you were in the midst of a disaster? Are you ready to leave your home at a moment’s notice? Would you have all that you need? You can reduce your anxiety about… Continue reading Do You Have a Disaster Plan?
Recalled Blood-Pressure Pill Shows No Short-Term Risk of Cancer
Products containing the blood pressure drug valsartan, withdrawn from the U.S. and European markets because some lots were tainted with possible carcinogens, are not associated with a markedly increased short term risk of cancer, according to an expedited analysis. The findings were published in The BMJ. At the same time, the authors say further studies… Continue reading Recalled Blood-Pressure Pill Shows No Short-Term Risk of Cancer