For most insect stings, a person can be treated at home, says MedlinePlus. For non-severe reactions, first aid is as follows: Do not use tweezers. Scrape a straight-edged object across the stinger for removal. Wash the site with soap and water. Apply ice on the site for 10 minutes. Take an antihistamine, or apply cream.… read on >
Allergy medications often contain an antihistamine. Some antihistamines can make users feel drowsy, unfocused and slow to react, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When taking allergy medication, the FDA suggests: Follow directions, and read all package warnings. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Avoid using alcohol, sedatives and tranquilizers after having taken… read on >
If you dread seeing the doctor and your blood pressure reading always seems to be high at the doctor’s office, a new review says you should take those elevated readings seriously. The problem is called white-coat hypertension (because of doctors’ traditional white coats) and it may signal an underlying problem. The research defined white-coat hypertension… read on >
While kids get some benefit from using digital and social media, such as early learning and exposure to new ideas, too much of it can negatively affect their health, sleep and eating habits, and even their attention span. But ruling out all media usage isn’t the answer either. An approach suggested by the American Academy… read on >
From positive effects on cholesterol levels to reducing the risk of heart disease and even some cancers, nuts are good for you. Ounce for ounce, they are nutrient powerhouses with beneficial fats and plant protein. Many studies recommend eating 1-1/2 ounces of nuts a day, but which are best? High levels of nutrients put these… read on >
Fifty-six of America’s 500 biggest cities have major gaps in life expectancy between neighborhoods, a new study reveals. These gaps can mean people in one neighborhood live 20 to 30 years longer than those just a mile away — and the inequalities are prevalent in cities with high levels of racial and ethnic segregation, according… read on >
Vitamin supplements don’t appear to prevent type 2 diabetes in those at highest risk for the disease, a new study finds. Some studies have suggested that low vitamin D levels might increase the odds of developing diabetes and that boosting levels could prevent it, but these findings throw cold water on these assumptions. In this… read on >
Shingles isn’t usually considered a kids’ disease, but children can get this painful condition. Fortunately, the chickenpox vaccine can also protect them against it, a new study finds. “The virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. It’s pretty uncommon in kids, but we wanted to see what would happen to the rates of shingles among… read on >
The waning effectiveness of a flawed whooping cough vaccine is the main culprit in recent outbreaks of the highly contagious bacterial infection, a new study reports. More than four out of five confirmed whooping cough (pertussis) cases strike children who are fully vaccinated, the study authors said. That’s because the vaccine for whooping cough loses… read on >
Eight of every 10 American households buys sodas and other sugary drinks each week, adding up to 2,000 calories per household per week, new research shows. To put that in perspective, 2,000 calories is equal to the recommended average caloric intake for an adult for an entire day. With the obesity epidemic continuing for Americans… read on >
