It appears to be safe for people with implantable heart devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators to go through body scanners at airport security checkpoints, researchers say. Body scanners are becoming increasingly common worldwide. But some people are concerned that they may be a source of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that could disrupt implantable devices used… read on >
The United States’ ability to deal with major health emergencies quickly has improved significantly in recent years, researchers say. In 2019, America scored 6.7 on the 10-point National Health Security Preparedness Index. That’s a 3.1% improvement over the last year, and up 11.7% since the index was created in 2013. The findings show the nation… read on >
Bucking a longstanding upward trend, new data shows that the percentage of Americans taking any prescription drug has fallen slightly over the past decade. Still, nearly half — 45.8% — of Americans said they took at least one prescription medicine over the past month, according to a national survey conducted in 2015-2016. That’s a slight… read on >
Profoundly obese people are prone to an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation, but new research suggests that weight-loss surgery can improve the odds that a procedure to restore a normal heart rhythm will work. When atrial fibrillation, or a-fib, cannot be controlled by medications, a procedure called ablation can help. It targets the nerves… read on >
New York’s ongoing measles epidemic alarmed midtown Manhattan resident Deb Ivanhoe, who couldn’t remember whether she’d ever been vaccinated as a child. So Ivanhoe, 60, sought out her long-time primary care doctor, who performed an antibody test to see whether she had any protection against measles. To her surprise, the test revealed that Ivanhoe had… read on >
Toys are key to your dog’s well-being, since they can help fight boredom and provide comfort for your dog, says the Humane Society of the United States. The society offers these guidelines for pet owners: Do not let your dog play with string, rubber bands or other items that could be swallowed. Buy toys of… read on >
Without enough water, your body can’t function properly, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy people typically meet their fluid needs by drinking with meals and when thirsty. The CDC suggests: Carry a water bottle with you. Choose water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose water when eating out. Add a wedge of lime… read on >
Traditional media, including TV and magazine ads, tend to portray ideals of physical perfection that can fuel worries about body image and eating disorders. A study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that spending hours on social media is linked to these issues, too. In particular, people in the top 25% of… read on >
Do you get distracted easily or find that it’s getting harder to stay focused on a task at hand or retain new information? These issues can happen to anyone, though they may seem to be more troublesome with advancing age. But concentration is an ability that you can improve with a few simple “study skills.”… read on >
Does your home draw its water source from a well? A new study finds that well water may be injurious to heart health in young adults — if it contains arsenic. “People drinking water from private wells, which are not regulated, need to be aware that arsenic may increase the risk for cardiovascular disease,” said… read on >
