Good news for kids: Next flu season, you can avoid a painful needle jab and get the nasal vaccine spray instead, according to a leading U.S. pediatricians’ group. In recent flu seasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the shot over the nasal spray — except if a child refused a shot — due to… read on >
Postpartum depression is a common and often devastating condition for new mothers, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the first drug to help combat it. The drug, Zulesso (brexanolone), is delivered via intravenous infusion. “Postpartum depression is a serious condition that, when severe, can be life-threatening,” noted the FDA’s Dr. Tiffany… read on >
The jittery, delusional potheads of the old movie “Reefer Madness” have prompted eye rolls and chuckles over the years, but a new study argues that the cult classic might contain a kernel of truth. Smoking pot every day could increase your risk of a psychotic break with reality, particularly if you have access to high-potency… read on >
Any person can make modest changes to live a healthier life, the American Heart Association (AHA) says. The six tips the AHA suggests are: Control cholesterol. Reduce blood sugar. Get active. Eat better. Lose weight. Stop smoking. Source: HealthDay
Navigating weight loss information can be daunting. Many popular beliefs are only partly true, MedlinePlus says. MedlinePlus debunked a few common myths: MYTH: “No-fat” or “low-fat” foods help you lose weight. FACT: Many no-fat and low-fat foods have added sugar and salt, and more calories. MYTH: Fasting will help you lose weight quickly. FACT: Fasting… read on >
Rowing is often called the best aerobic exercise because it offers a total body workout and is low-impact. Rowing involves performing a continuous motion with focused coordination between the arms and the legs. If you’ve never rowed a boat or paddled a canoe before, it may take some time to get the hang of it,… read on >
Are you a sugary soda junkie? If you’re ready to kick the habit, know that the answer isn’t diet sodas. Following up on research that calls the safety of these artificially sweetened drinks into question is a February study published in the journal Stroke that found for women after menopause, drinking more than one diet… read on >
Sperm DNA from the testicles of infertile men is often as good as that of ejaculated sperm from fertile men, according to European researchers — a finding that could lead to new treatments for male infertility. The study shows that on its path from the testicles to ejaculation, sperm DNA can suffer major damage. Researchers… read on >
Thinking about a TV for your young child? Based on new evidence, you might want to reconsider that. Preschoolers who had a TV in their bedroom were at increased risk for poor eating habits, overweight/obesity and social/emotional struggles in their teens, Canadian researchers say. “The early years are a critical period in a child’s development,”… read on >
After-school activities help develop social skills and talent, but a new report finds that many kids are priced out of participating. In fact, for 1 in 6 middle and high school students, costs are the prime reason for not taking part in these activities. And the poorest students are two times less likely to participate,… read on >
