In a finding that suggests money may sometimes guide whether someone gets a new kidney, researchers report that patients at U.S. for-profit dialysis centers are less likely to receive a transplant. “For-profit dialysis facilities have a higher profit margin when they have more patients on dialysis,” while nonprofit centers don’t have “the same emphasis on… read on >
Color blindness is a vision deficiency that affects the perception of color, says the National Eye Institute. People with color blindness aren’t aware of differences among colors that may be obvious to those with normal vision. Sometimes, people who have color blindness aren’t aware of their condition unless they’re tested. Simple everyday tasks like selecting… read on >
Puberty can be a confusing and frustrating time for boys as their voices change. The larynx, also known as the voice box, grows during puberty because of bursts in testosterone. The growth and strengthening of the vocal cords help make the voice deeper. As your body adjusts to the change, your voice may crack or… read on >
Taking courses online has made it easier for thousands of college students to meet their degree requirements, but this type of learning may hold the most benefit for people who are interested in continuing education throughout their lives. Courses that let you explore a topic of interest or gain a new skill for work keep… read on >
From defective child car seats to deadly virus outbreaks at restaurant chains, you’re likely to learn of major product recalls and serious health warnings through various news outlets. But there’s such a large number of alerts, big and small, that you might not hear about all of them, or hear about them soon enough to… read on >
Scientists have found one more way Flipper is a lot like people: The sharp rise in antibiotic resistance affecting humans is also happening to dolphins. The discovery stems from a 13-year study of bottlenose dolphins in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. “We’ve been able to provide a large database of information in order to continue learning… read on >
When a child gets sick, doctors are increasingly relying on what’s known as “off-label” use of medications, a new study says. Off-label use of a drug means that it hasn’t been specifically studied and approved for the condition, age group or weight of the person getting the prescription. For example, kids with asthma may be… read on >
From skin conditions like eczema to contagious diseases like ringworm, there are many reasons for itchy skin. Regardless of the cause, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it’s important to avoid scratching, which will irritate the skin further. To soothe itchy skin, the academy suggests: Apply a cold, wet cloth or ice pack to… read on >
Job loss, promotion, a transfer and other life changes can force families to move. For children, a move can be stressful and accentuate negative aspects of their personalities, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. To help a child adjust to a move, the academy encourages parents to: Emphasize the positive aspects of what awaits at… read on >
If you own or use trampolines, you need to take steps to prevent injuries, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) says. While trampolines are fun and can help improve coordination and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, serious injuries can occur without proper safety measures. In 2018, nearly 314,000 trampoline-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency… read on >
