Some 13 million workers in the United States may be exposed to hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) says. This type of exposure may lead to contact dermatitis (eczema), skin cancer and skin infection or injury, the agency warns. Workers at risk… read on >
Some decorations sold for use on birthday cakes may not be what parents wish for, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says. Some decorative glitters and dusts may contain ingredients that shouldn’t be eaten, the agency says. They’re marketed as luster dust, disco dust, twinkle dust, sparkle dust highlighter, shimmer powder, pearl dust and petal… read on >
After suffering through a cold, many people still have a persistent cough — but why? According to Dr. Jonathan Parsons, director of the Asthma Center at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, here are some reasons for a continuing cough: Coughing is protective. It removes irritants from the lungs and protects the airway. The cough… read on >
Missing out on needed sleep can bring a host of health woes, including diabetes because a lack of sleep affects insulin levels. It also leaves you less alert and less able to focus. And get only four or five hours of sleep a night, and problems can develop even if your sleep loss is short-term.… read on >
The number of weekly recommended workout sessions can really add up. With five or more periods of cardio, and two or three each of strength training, flexibility and motor skills for balance and agility, it’s inevitable that you’ll need to do more than one type of exercise on any given day. To make the most… read on >
New mothers who take opioid painkillers after either vaginal birth or cesarean section may be at increased risk of becoming persistent users, a new study finds. Researchers from Vanderbilt University in Nashville examined data from more than 102,000 new mothers in Tennessee. None had used opioids in the 180 days before delivery. After delivery, 89… read on >
A program that maps out the genes of newborns has allowed researchers to identify risks for some inherited childhood conditions, many of which can be prevented. The so-called BabySeq Project discovered that slightly more than 9 percent of infants carry genes that put them at risk for medical conditions as they reach childhood. “The BabySeq… read on >
If you have had cancer, you are at a higher risk for developing flu-related complications, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The CDC offers the following flu prevention tips: If you are 65 or older, get the high-dose flu vaccine, which contains four times the strength as the regular flu shot. Consider… read on >
As you recover from surgery, it is important to take care of your incision to minimize the risks of infection or excessive scarring, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The academy urges you to call your doctor if your wound opens up, turns red or bleeds excessively. Your doctor should provide specific post-surgery instructions,… read on >
Restrictive diets are hard to stick with, especially when you must eliminate most of your favorite foods. Research has also found that cutting out a particular food can cause cravings and may lead to overindulgence — and weight regain — when you allow yourself to enjoy it again. Since permanent weight loss really involves a… read on >
