Physical activity is closely linked to development of a child’s mental skills — ones essential to academic success and navigating challenges they’ll face throughout life. Studies show that boosts in thinking ability, or executive function, often follow bouts of activity. But only one-third of children are physically active every day. Less than half the time… read on >
Children who have surgery for a broken elbow may be overprescribed potentially addictive opioid painkillers, a new study finds. Overprescription includes giving kids too many opioids when they are sent home — raising the risk that any leftover meds will be “diverted” for illicit use. “This study suggests that orthopedic surgeons really need to think… read on >
New (and pricey) hepatitis C medicines, such as Harvoni and Sovaldi, are living up to their promise and greatly reducing patients’ odds for liver cancer and death, a new French study finds. The news came as little surprise to one U.S. liver expert. The advent of this class of drugs “has led to almost universal… read on >
Teen boys who are unfit and/or obese have higher odds for chronic disease and disability as adults, according to a large Swedish study. Researchers followed more than 1 million boys for an average of 28 years, starting when they were 16 to 19 years of age. Those who were inactive, obese or both as teens… read on >
Millions of Americans with heart disease say they face financial strain because of their medical care, with some skipping meds or cutting back on basics like groceries. That’s the finding of a new national study of heart disease and stroke patients younger than 65 — a group that’s too young for Medicare but often lack… read on >
As we age, so does our skin. With that comes wrinkles and age spots. While wrinkle creams, eye serums and other products can diminish signs of aging, the most effective anti-aging plan begins with healthy skin habits, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy offers this advice: Protect your skin from the sun by… read on >
Caring for a loved one after a stroke can be difficult, but with the right information and preparation, you can keep your loved one safe, the American Stroke Association says. The association offers this advice for caregivers: Be aware of the person’s medications and side effects. Determine if the home should be modified to meet… read on >
Men and women alike want defined abs. But you don’t have to achieve a “six-pack” — the nickname for the three most visible pairs of abdominal muscles — to get the benefits of a stronger middle, needed to support your back. For a study sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), scientists from the… read on >
Many studies have shown that color affects both mood and behavior. Color can help you go from sad to happy or angry to calm. When it comes to mood, there are four primary colors. Though different shades within each of the four can have different effects, some generalities exist. Red symbolizes power and strength and… read on >
Widespread mammography screening and big advances in breast cancer treatment have saved hundreds of thousands of American women’s lives since 1989, a new study estimates. Researchers tracked 1990-2015 U.S. data on breast cancer deaths, along with general data, on women aged 40 to 84. They found the number of breast cancer deaths prevented during that… read on >
