Millions of Americans have the potentially dangerous irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation. Now, research suggests that being obese might undercut the effectiveness of certain drugs meant to treat AFib. The new study followed more than 300 patients listed in the University of Illinois at Chicago’s AFib Registry. Researchers found that a class of medicines… read on >
Playing cards and board games like chess, bingo and Scrabble might be the mental workout you need to keep your wits as you age, Scottish researchers suggest. People in their 70s who regularly play board games score higher on tests of memory and thinking skills than those who don’t. And 70-somethings who step up their… read on >
Nightmares are scary, disturbing dreams that are especially common in children. Episodes are usually short, but they can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and make sleeping difficult, says Mayo Clinic. If nightmares are a problem for you or your child, Mayo Clinic suggests: Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime.… read on >
(HealthDay News) –The menopausal transition is a 7- to 14-year period when women have symptoms like hot flashes and changes in monthly cycles. Typically, the transition occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, says the U.S. National Institute on Aging. During this time, hormone production by the ovaries will vary. Because of this, bones… read on >
The holiday season can give you real headaches, but you can take action to prevent them, an expert says. To reduce stress, make plans well in advance and know your limits, advised Dr. Bing Liao, a neurologist at Houston Methodist. “The nature of the holiday season already increases stress levels, so finding small ways to… read on >
Fear of deportation doubles the risk of high blood pressure in Mexican-born women in farmworker families who live in California’s Salinas Valley, a new study claims. It included 572 women, average age 39, who in 2012-2014 were asked to rate their level of worry about deportation for themselves or others as low (28%); moderate (24%);… read on >
Stomach ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach. Contrary to popular belief, ulcers are not caused by stress or spicy foods, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Most stomach ulcers are caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. The germ can erode the protective layer of mucus covering the stomach lining.… read on >
Many patients who have an artery-opening procedure don’t understand or remember information they receive before their surgery, and most have unrealistic expectations about what it will do for them, a new study finds. Researchers examined the effectiveness of informed consent — which is meant to provide the risks and benefits of a procedure — given… read on >
Even a little exposure to the fine particles of air pollution can translate into higher hospitalization rates for a number of common conditions among older Americans, a new study suggests. “The study shows that the health dangers and economic impacts of air pollution are significantly larger than previously understood,” said study author Yaguang Wei, a… read on >
Asthma or allergies can put a damper on holiday gatherings. But there are ways you can stay healthy, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says. “Everyone wants this time of year to be picture-perfect. But when there are runny noses, itchy eyes and sneezing involved, the picture is less than ideal. There are… read on >
