Due to waning vaccination levels in some areas, measles outbreaks are back with a vengeance. But many globe-trotting Americans may not realize the problem is worldwide. Therefore, making sure your measles vaccination is up to date is paramount before jetting off. In fact, U.S. outbreaks of measles “are usually started by foreign travelers importing the… read on >
Brian Duncan doesn’t know why his brain still works as well as it does. Duncan, 67, got his bell rung more than once during his life — as a professional football player, an amateur boxer and a bull rider at Texas rodeos. He remembers one time he got slammed into the ground by L.C. Greenwood,… read on >
Giving a child the wrong dose or an inappropriate medication can have serious consequences, says MedlinePlus. Drug labels for prescription medicines should have a section on use among children. To safely give medicine to your child, MedlinePlus suggests: Read and follow the label directions every time. Watch for any side effects. Know the abbreviations for… read on >
Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that commonly occurs in people whose feet become sweaty in tight-fitting shoes. The infection typically begins as a scaly rash between the toes. To treat mild athlete’s foot, Mayo Clinic suggests using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. If athlete’s foot does not respond to treatment,… read on >
Crave more crunch in your meals but want to avoid calories? Don’t overlook low-cal celery. With only 6 calories per cup, celery is a perfect warm weather refresher, helping you stay hydrated, thanks to its high water content. But there’s no reason to limit yourself to the same old sticks. Celery is a great addition… read on >
If you’re looking for simple yet effective exercises to work chest muscles, put the pec press and pec fly on your list. Both also target the shoulder muscles, and the press works the triceps of the upper arm. For the pec press, lie on your back on a weight bench with a dumbbell in each… read on >
Lots of kids are picky eaters. But when eating habits in young children are extreme, it could be a sign of autism, researchers say. A new study finds atypical eating behaviors — such as hypersensitivity to food textures or pocketing food without swallowing — in 70% of kids with autism. That’s 15 times the rate… read on >
Taking testosterone might sound like a good idea for an older man, but a new study suggests the treatment might be bad news for his heart. Men who took it showed a slightly increased risk of heart attack and stroke in the first few years. “Our findings show that the use of [testosterone therapy] was… read on >
Some parents may be reluctant to give their kids powerful stimulants to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but a new review shows the medications bring significant benefits. In addition to helping kids calm down and concentrate in school, the review also found that the drugs help children avoid a lot of long-term negative… read on >
Heat-related illness is preventable, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whether you’re just hanging out or working in the heat, it’s important to know the signs of heat stroke: Body temperature of more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot, red, dry or damp skin. Headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion. Fast, strong pulse. Loss… read on >
