A poison ivy rash is caused by coming in contact with the oil found in the plant. The rash is very itchy and can be accompanied by redness, swelling, hives and crusting skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. To manage a poison ivy rash, the academy suggests: Immediately rinse your skin with lukewarm, soapy… read on >
If you have high blood pressure, getting a flu shot could save your life, researchers say. A new study found that patients with high blood pressure who got a flu shot had a nearly 18% lower risk of dying during flu season. Previous research has found that the stress flu puts on the body may… read on >
Opening all of a person’s clogged arteries after a heart attack can protect their health better than reopening only the one that caused it, a major international clinical trial has concluded. Opening all blockages and not just the “culprit” behind the attack reduces a patient’s risk of dying or having another heart attack by 26%,… read on >
Decades spent on couches, chairs and otherwise not exercising could mean much shorter lives, new research shows. A Norwegian team who tracked health outcomes for more than 23,000 adults over 20 years found that those who were inactive over that time had twice the risk of a premature death, compared to those who were physically… read on >
When summer fruits and vegetables start to disappear from grocery stores, and the action shifts indoors to watching sports and munching on unhealthy snacks, it helps to have a diet plan in place to avoid weight gain. First, remember that farmers’ markets are still open across the country. You can buy local as long as… read on >
For most healthy women, exercise during pregnancy is as important as it is at all times of life. It brings benefits such as better overall health, preventing back pain and keeping you regular, which can be a challenge for some women. While low-impact aerobic activities like walking are often emphasized, research has found a surprising… read on >
Pro football players who had long careers at key positions are more likely to have concussion-related problems such as confusion, memory loss, depression and anxiety, a new study finds. In a survey of nearly 3,500 former NFL players (average age 53), 1 in 8 (12%) reported serious cognitive problems. That compares to about 2% of… read on >
Even seniors who never exercised regularly can benefit from a workout program, researchers say. A new study found that men in their 70s and 80s who had never followed an exercise regimen could build muscle mass as well as “master athletes” — those of the same age who had worked out throughout their lives and… read on >
A jammed finger can be a small fracture, dislocation or a sprain to one of the joints, says Mayo Clinic. The injury can be painful and the joint can swell. To treat a jammed finger, Mayo suggests: Ice the finger with a cold pack for up to 15 minutes. Elevate the hand to reduce swelling.… read on >
Women who receive hormone therapy to help ease menopausal symptoms have an increased risk of breast cancer, which can persist long after they stop the therapy, a new study confirms. The new review — which included data from 58 studies involving nearly 109,000 women from around the world — is the latest chapter in the… read on >
