The numbers are alarming. According to U.S. health officials, more than 200,000 children aged 14 or under are treated each year in emergency departments for playground-related injuries, about 10 percent of which involve “TBIs” — or traumatic brain injuries. Modern playground designs help reduce the risk of injury from falls, but they’re not implemented in… read on >
Younger breast cancer patients who have one or both breasts removed have lower levels of satisfaction and well-being than those who have breast-conserving surgery, a new study finds. The study included 560 women diagnosed with breast cancer by age 40. Of those, 28 percent had breast-conserving surgery and 72 percent had breast removal surgery (mastectomy).… read on >
There’s more evidence that when a survivor of early stage breast cancer takes up healthy eating and regular exercise, the odds of the disease returning go down. The key is sticking with such programs, said study lead author Dr. Wolfgang Janni. Healthier lifestyles “might improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients if adherence is high,”… read on >
In a good economy, the care at U.S. nursing homes falls because it’s harder to attract and keep staff, a new study contends. “During economic downturns, many people are willing to take positions with work environments they may not prefer because there aren’t many options,” said principal investigator Sean Shenghsiu Huang. “But when the economy… read on >
Hot flashes, a common curse in menopause, can be especially bothersome after breast cancer. But a new study suggests an existing medication may help. The drug is oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), long used to treat urinary incontinence. The study found that women taking the medicine had an average of five fewer hot flashes a week, compared… read on >
On the surface, the news looks good for America’s mental health — a new report shows the rate of people with serious psychological distress is declining, and more folks are seeking mental health care on an outpatient basis. But the haves are edging out the have-nots when it comes to mental health care, a closer… read on >
Bottlemouth syndrome is a form of tooth decay that affects babies and young children. It is caused by prolonged drinking of sugary liquids from a bottle. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children are at greater risk of bottlemouth if they are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The decay is… read on >
Sleep is a complex biological process that helps you process new information, stay healthy and feel rested, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Not getting enough sleep can trigger illness, poor performance in daily activities, memory loss and other health concerns, the agency adds. Here are suggestions for getting enough quality sleep: Go to… read on >
Brown-bag lunches give you control over what you eat and what your children eat, but studies show that these to-go meals need to be healthier. This is especially important for kids because their eating habits are developed during the preschool years. Recent studies have evaluated lunches for preschoolers by comparing their contents to the Healthy… read on >
A change as simple as where you do most of your food shopping could translate to a better diet. A San Diego State University study looked at the food shopping habits of college students in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and identified patterns, such as whether they were fresh food market or convenience shoppers, and whether… read on >
