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 >
Do you worry a lot? Besides the anxiety it’s causing you emotionally, it can threaten your health. Whether you worry over actual problems or the fear of future ones, it interferes with sleep and quality of life. And, according to research done at Case Western Reserve University, it can be so intrusive that it harms… read on >
Arthritis in the knees can strike people as young as 45, with symptoms severe enough to limit activities and harm quality of life. What can be done about it? First, know that inactivity isn’t the answer. You need to move, so try low-impact exercises like walking and swimming. Researchers are also looking at possible benefits… read on >
There were greater increases in colon cancer screening rates in states that expanded Medicaid than in those that did not, a new study finds. It also found that expansion resulted in hundreds of thousands more people getting screened for colon cancer through colonoscopy, stool testing or sigmoidoscopy. “Health insurance is a strong predictor of cancer… read on >
The popular weed killer Roundup might be linked to liver disease, a new study suggests. A group of patients suffering from liver disease had elevated urine levels of glyphosate, the primary weed-killing ingredient in Roundup, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). “We found those patients who had more severe disease… read on >
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine. Often diagnosed in early adolescence, most cases show symptoms such as uneven shoulders, waist or hips, says the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. These treatment options may be may be needed: Doctor visits every four to six months. X-rays every few years. Bracing. Surgery. The doctor’s group… read on >
Some 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis each year, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. The condition, which causes pain of the heel, occurs when tissue supporting the foot’s arch becomes irritated. Often, plantar fasciitis develops without an identifiable reason. But obesity, a naturally high arch, running or increased activity raise your… read on >
