“Maskne.” The nickname may be cute, but the reality isn’t: Unsightly pimples that erupt in our face-mask zone. But we can take steps to prevent mask-related breakouts so that we feel comfortable wearing our masks and confident about taking them off when it’s safe.” As research has increased on the role face masks play in… Continue reading How to Avoid Acne while Wearing Your Face Mask
Author: Jane Farrell
How to Safely Wear A Face Mask
Masks are one of the most important ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. You should wear masks in public settings, around people who don’t live in your household, and when you can’t stay 6 feet away (socially distance) from others. But not every mask is automatically helpful, and deciding what kind of mask to… Continue reading How to Safely Wear A Face Mask
Most American Kids Lack Cardio Fitness
Nearly 60% of American children do not have healthy cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a key measure of physical fitness and overall health, according to “Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Youth – An Important Marker of Health,” a new Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), published in the Association’s flagship journal Circulation. CRF, also referred to as… Continue reading Most American Kids Lack Cardio Fitness
Blood Pressure Meds Help Even The Frailest Patients
Taking blood pressure medication as prescribed helped even the frailest elderly people (65 and older) live longer, and the healthiest older people had the biggest survival boost, according to a large study in northern Italy published in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. “We knew that high blood pressure medication was protective in general among… Continue reading Blood Pressure Meds Help Even The Frailest Patients
Tips for Parents at Home with Kids during the Pandemic
Editor’s note: Many families are suddenly faced with how to keep kids occupied at home in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and that dilemma continues as schools decide whether children will be going to school on-line, in person or both. Here, tips on how to make the at-home time more beneficial for children and parents.… Continue reading Tips for Parents at Home with Kids during the Pandemic
COVID-19 Testing Basics
The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to address the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak and keep you and your family informed on the latest developments. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions from consumers about testing: Q: Is there a test for COVID-19? A: Yes. The FDA has authorized two different types… Continue reading COVID-19 Testing Basics
Can Psoriasis Affect More Than Your Skin?
Studies show that psoriasis, a skin disease with red, scaly and itchy patches, increases the risk of developing other medical conditions. Be sure to tell your dermatologist if you have any of the signs or symptoms. According to a news release from the American Academy of Dermatology (www.aad.org), here are some signs that may indicate… Continue reading Can Psoriasis Affect More Than Your Skin?
Wildfires and COVID-19
Wildfire smoke can irritate your lungs, cause inflammation, affect your immune system, and make you more prone to lung infections, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that cause COVID-19. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing for wildfires might be a little different this year. Know how wildfire smoke can affect you and your loved ones during the… Continue reading Wildfires and COVID-19
Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s
Flu (influenza) and pneumonia vaccinations are associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to new research reported this month at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® (AAIC®) 2020. According to a news release from the Alzheimer’s Association, three research studies reported at AAIC 2020 suggest: At least one flu vaccination was associated with a 17%… Continue reading Vaccines, Infections and Alzheimer’s
COVID-19 and Food Safety
Information on the COVID-19 pandemic changes almost daily. Here, from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are answers to your questions about food safety: Q: Can I get the coronavirus from food, food packaging, or food containers and preparation areas? A: Currently there is no evidence of food, food containers, or food packaging being… Continue reading COVID-19 and Food Safety
Progress in Research for Alzheimer’s Test
Researchers report an advance in the development of a blood test that could help detect Alzheimer’s disease in people who are showing signs of dementia. This approach could be less invasive and less costly than current brain imaging and spinal fluid tests. The blood test detects the abnormal accumulation of a form of tau protein… Continue reading Progress in Research for Alzheimer’s Test
Global Cooperation Essential to Find COVID-19 Vaccines
A harmonized and collaborative approach to the clinical testing, scale-up and distribution of candidate vaccines to prevent COVID-19 is essential, scientific leaders write in a perspective published in Science. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, government, industry and academia have introduced a variety of vaccine candidates. The authors note that more than one effective vaccine approach… Continue reading Global Cooperation Essential to Find COVID-19 Vaccines
The Latest on the Safe Use of Hand Sanitizer
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have been overwhelmed by the daily flood of statistics and articles on everything from the number of cases to the search for a vaccine. Here, the federal Food and Drug Administration, which oversees the safety and efficacy of drugs and medicine for illnesses, answers questions on the current research… Continue reading The Latest on the Safe Use of Hand Sanitizer
Heart Attack Risk and Exercise
Invasive procedures such as bypass surgery and stenting—commonly used to treat blocked arteries—are no better at reducing the risk for heart attack and death in patients with stable ischemic heart disease than medication and lifestyle changes alone. However, such procedures offer better symptom relief and quality of life for some patients with chest pain, according… Continue reading Heart Attack Risk and Exercise
The Flu You Should Guard Against (Besides COVID-19)
These days, most of us are preoccupied with the need for a COVID-19 vaccine. But we should pay attention to other vaccines as well. Here, from the Centers of Disease Control, are some common questions and answers: What flu vaccines are recommended for the coming season? For the 2020-2021 flu season, providers may choose to… Continue reading The Flu You Should Guard Against (Besides COVID-19)
Spirituality Eases Depression for Some Stroke Patients
Having a higher level of spirituality helps lessen depression in stroke survivors and their caregivers and boosts their quality of life, according to new research. The study included data from 223 caregiver-stroke survivor pairs in Italy who completed questionnaires measuring spirituality, depression and quality of life between 2016 and 2018. Survivors who scored above average… Continue reading Spirituality Eases Depression for Some Stroke Patients
The Dangers of Summer Drinking
Summer is typically a wonderful season for outdoor activities and spending additional time with family and friends. For some people, these activities include drinking alcoholic beverages. But in light of the coronavirus pandemic as well as the negative consequences associated with drinking, it is particularly important this summer to take measures to protect your own… Continue reading The Dangers of Summer Drinking
Diet May Help Preserve Cognitive Health
According to a recent analysis of data from two major eye disease studies, adherence to the Mediterranean diet – high in vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil – correlates with higher cognitive function. Dietary factors also seem to play a role in slowing cognitive decline. Researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of… Continue reading Diet May Help Preserve Cognitive Health