If you’re browsing the Internet and are tempted to buy a particular health product, one of the best ways to protect yourself from fake, and even possibly harmful, items is asking whether a claim sounds too good to be true, or if it contradicts what you’ve heard from reputable sources. In July 2022, the U.S.… Continue reading Watch Out for Fake Health Claims
Author: Jane Farrell
Endometriosis and Stroke Risk
A large, prospective study found that women with endometriosis may have a higher risk of stroke compared to women without the chronic inflammatory condition, according to new research in July 2022 in Stroke, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Endometriosis (abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside… Continue reading Endometriosis and Stroke Risk
Summer Skin Problems and How to Solve Them
Summer means spending more time outdoors. However, the increased exposure to sunlight, insects, and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes, which can quickly sideline summer fun. Here, some advice from the American Academy of Dermatologists (www.aad.org): You can… Continue reading Summer Skin Problems and How to Solve Them
A Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce Stroke Risk
Genes and lifestyle factors together play a role in stroke risk. However, even for people at high risk for stroke, adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle may significantly lower the risk of stroke in their lifetime, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American… Continue reading A Healthy Lifestyle Can Reduce Stroke Risk
Is Depression Linked to Stroke Before It Occurs?
While depression is a common problem for people who have had a stroke, some people may have symptoms of depression years before their stroke, according to a study published in the July 13, 2022, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers found that, in people who developed a… Continue reading Is Depression Linked to Stroke Before It Occurs?
Avoiding Colds and Flu on Vacation
Although colds and flu are not uniquely travel-related hazards, they can be especially unpleasant during vacation. Dozens of remedies, both mainstream and complementary, are available. So what works, and what’s a waste of your money? Here, the experts from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), offer suggestions for the best ways to… Continue reading Avoiding Colds and Flu on Vacation
15 Foods to Keep You Hydrated
Summer sun and outdoor fun can take a lot out of you — especially water. Water makes up at least 60% of your body, and it plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning as it should. But high temperatures and excessive sweating can cause you to lose water quickly. The good news is… Continue reading 15 Foods to Keep You Hydrated
The Health Effects of Racist Housing Policies
The historical discriminatory housing policies known as “redlining” are associated with heart disease and related risk factors today in impacted neighborhoods, even though it has been 60 years since they were banned, according to a study published in the July 2022 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Health disparities have been… Continue reading The Health Effects of Racist Housing Policies
Most Americans Aren’t Heart Healthy
About 80% of people in the U.S. have low to moderate cardiovascular health based on the American Heart Association’s new Life’s Essential 8™ checklist according to a new study published in Circulation, the Association’s flagship, peer-reviewed journal. Life’s Essential 8™, also published today in Circulation, details the Association’s updated guidance to measure cardiovascular health, adding healthy sleep as… Continue reading Most Americans Aren’t Heart Healthy
Life Expectancy Shows Racial, Ethnic Differences
From 2000-2019 overall life expectancy in the United States increased by 2.3 years, but the increase was not consistent among racial and ethnic groups and by geographic area. In addition, most of these gains were prior to 2010. Those figures come from a new study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that examined… Continue reading Life Expectancy Shows Racial, Ethnic Differences
Cataracts: A Newly Discovered Genetic Link
People who have genetic variations associated with lowering LDL-cholesterol appear to have an increased risk of developing cataracts and having cataract surgery, according to new research published in June 2022 in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). JAHA is an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). Previous research has… Continue reading Cataracts: A Newly Discovered Genetic Link
Rate of Uterine Cancer Deaths Rising Among Black Women
Deaths from uterine cancer are rising in the United States, and are highest among non-Hispanic Black women, according to a new study led by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. The higher death rates are related to the rising incidence of aggressive subtypes of uterine cancer.The researchers… Continue reading Rate of Uterine Cancer Deaths Rising Among Black Women
Scientists Discover A New Genetic Eye Disease
Researchers from the National Eye Institute (NEI) have identified a new disease that affects the macula, a small part of the light-sensing retina needed for sharp, central vision. Scientists reported their findings on the novel macular dystrophy, which is yet to be named, in JAMA Ophthalmology. NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health… Continue reading Scientists Discover A New Genetic Eye Disease
Race and Ethnicity in Cancer Care
Racial and ethnic minorities diagnosed with advanced liver cancer have a lower chance of receiving immunotherapy, the most effective treatment for patients with the disease, according to a new study led by Cedars-Sinai Cancer investigators. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Hepatology, found Black and Hispanic patients were significantly less likely to receive immunotherapy… Continue reading Race and Ethnicity in Cancer Care
10 Steps to Great Summer Hair
1. When you rinse the shampoo from your scalp, let it flow through the length of your hair and resist the temptation to rub it into your scalp. Instead, use a gentle, massaging touch. 2. Don’t skip the conditioner. Use it after every shampoo. 3. Do you have straight hair? Let your hair dry a… Continue reading 10 Steps to Great Summer Hair
A Later Risk for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Adults who survive childhood cancer have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population, yet they are 80% more likely to be undertreated for several cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension (also called high blood pressure), diabetes and high cholesterol, according to new research, The report was published on June 8 in Journal of the… Continue reading A Later Risk for Childhood Cancer Survivors
New Numbers for Omega-3 Fatty Acids
About 3 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids, consumed in foods or supplements, appears to be the optimal daily dose to help lower blood pressure, according to a research review published in June 2022 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association (AHA). Omega-3 fatty… Continue reading New Numbers for Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Food-Insecurity Factor
A review of studies about the effect of food insecurity on digestive diseases found a lack of information on links between the two, even though the quality of diet can often be both a direct cause of, as well as a solution for, many gastrointestinal conditions. The findings, published June 1 in the journal Gastroenterology,… Continue reading The Food-Insecurity Factor