Vaping among American teenagers increased dramatically in 2018, with nearly two of every five high school seniors reporting they’ve tried an e-cigarette during the past year, a new survey reveals. There was a bit of good news in the report, with teens reporting decreased use of alcohol, tobacco and opioids. But the vaping trends remained… read on >
A medical device is used to diagnose, cure or treat a condition, or to prevent disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says a medical device can range in size from a hand-held glucometer to a large breathing ventilator. Here’s the FDA’s advice for safe use of a medical device: Understand how your device works,… read on >
When it comes to toys, the simpler the better, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. “Simple . . . really is better,” says Dr. Aleeya Healey, lead author of the academy’s report on the subject. So the organization’s advice is to skip the flashing lights, digital readouts and cellphone apps in favor of toys that… read on >
Reducing stress could cut your risk of allergy and asthma symptoms during the holidays. “Studies show stress can cause a number of negative health effects, including causing more symptoms for allergy and asthma sufferers,” said Dr. Todd Mahr, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “It makes sense that if you want… read on >
Winter can be hard on your skin, but you can take steps to keep it soft and supple, dermatologists say. “When the weather changes, your skin care products should, too. For most of us, dry skin makes an appearance in the winter due to changes in temperature and humidity, so you need to think about… read on >
Calcium is best known as a building block of strong bones, and studies show that getting it from the source — milk — is more effective than supplements. Nutritionists also are learning that it has another important role that’s especially beneficial for dieters. Research has found that calcium can help suppress appetite and even lower… read on >
As many as 20 million Americans have gallstones. Most don’t have any symptoms, but not all will escape a gallstone attack. The gallbladder is a small organ in the upper right abdomen. It’s a reservoir for bile, the fluid made by the liver to aid digestion. Experts aren’t sure why, but gallstones form from imbalances… read on >
Good sleep routines can help children get the rest they need, researchers say. For the new report, investigators reviewed 44 studies from 16 countries in North America, Europe and Asia. The studies included a total nearly 300,000 children, aged 4 months to 18 years. “Good sleep hygiene gives children the best chances of getting adequate,… read on >
Diabetes has been tied to a number of complications such as kidney disease, but new research has found that older people with type 2 diabetes can also have more difficulties with thinking and memory. During a five-year study, participants with diabetes showed a decline in verbal memory and fluency. Using MRI scans, researchers saw that… read on >
It’s perfectly normal for parents to be concerned when a child comes home sneezing and coughing with what appears to be the common cold, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. But cough medicine may not be the best remedy, the agency warns. It says some cough medicines could have life-threatening side effects, such as… read on >
