Even amid an epidemic of abuse, opioid painkillers are still commonly prescribed to teenagers and young adults for conditions like tooth and back pain, a new study finds. Researchers found that between 2005 and 2015, opioids were prescribed to teens and college-age adults at nearly 57 million visits to doctors’ offices and emergency departments in… read on >
To use crutches safely, be sure they fit you properly. Also use care when carrying objects, says the Ohio State University Medical Center. To prevent falls, the center encourages those on crutches to: Clean the crutch tips often. Put away all throw rugs on the floor. Take your time. Do not try to walk too… read on >
Capable of turning in a variety of directions, the shoulder is among the body’s most mobile joints. That makes it easy to dislocate, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. To treat a partially or completely dislocated shoulder, a doctor will place the upper arm bone back into the joint socket. Severe pain should stop… read on >
Red or green, sweet or hot, peppers are a great source of vitamins A, C, E and many of the B vitamins, plus minerals like calcium, iron and potassium. These and other nutrients are jammed into a low-calorie “package” that’s perfect for stuffing with other healthful foods. Chili peppers, such as jalapenos and serranos, also… read on >
Looking for ways to burn extra calories? Don’t just stand there — these moves allow you to multitask for fitness. Whenever you’re stuck in a long line, do toe raises to work foot and calf muscles. Simply lift both your heels off the ground and roll up to your tiptoes. Hold for five seconds and… read on >
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer vacation — a season of potato salad, ice cream and, if you’re not careful, unwanted weight gain. But it is possible to avoid packing on the pounds. Just hop on the scale every day, researchers suggest. The new study included 111 U.S. adults, who weighed themselves every… read on >
Teaching children how to care for an animal can be an invaluable experience, says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Taking care of pets can help children develop social skills and learn how to treat others nicely. However, certain guidelines must be followed. The AACAP offers advice to parents and guardians: Children under… read on >
All-terrain vehicles (ATVS) are involved in an estimated 650 deaths and 100,000 accidents each year, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). To reduce your risk of injury, the CPSC suggests: Do not drive ATVs on paved roads. Do not drive ATVs with a passenger or ride as one. Always wear a helmet and… read on >
Sunscreen is a real key to protecting your skin from the sun and preventing skin cancer, but are you using it correctly? Santa Monica-based dermatologist Dr. Tanya Kormeili thinks not. A recent American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found “only about a third of Americans are reapplying their sunscreen every two hours while outside. Since sunscreen… read on >
Water polo players appear to face similar head injury risks as athletes in better-known sports, a new study FINDS. “For years, water polo’s head trauma risks have been downplayed or overshadowed by football-related brain injuries,” said study co-author James Hicks. “Our data quantifies the extent of the problem and sets the stage for additional research… read on >
