Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that’s triggered by your immune system mistakenly viewing hair follicles as threats to your health. This can trigger patchy hair loss on the head, complete hair loss on the head or the loss of body hair, the American Academy of Family Physicians says. The condition — for… read on >
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not make enough tears. As adults get older, they are more likely to have medical conditions that trigger dry eye, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, stroke and thyroid problems, the AARP says. Certain medications also may affect tear glands’ ability to function properly. AARP suggests how to… read on >
Many drugs — both prescription and over-the-counter — can cause side effects like dizziness or upset stomach. But some can affect you in surprising ways, like causing problems with your sex life. Sexual side effects are wide-ranging. You might lose interest in sex, have difficulty becoming aroused or achieving orgasm. Or, if you’re a woman,… read on >
You don’t have to give up tropical drinks and chocolatey desserts for Valentine’s Day and other celebrations. Just streamline them and boost their health profile. Sweet and fiber-rich pears can be whipped into great cocktails. Most pears at the grocery store or even at the farmer’s market are picked early, since they can get easily… read on >
By itself, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) doesn’t raise the risk of heart disease for U.S. veterans, a new study finds. “Instead, a combination of physical disorders, psychiatric disorders and smoking — that are more common in patients with PTSD versus without PTSD — appear to explain the association between PTSD and developing cardiovascular disease,” said… read on >
Don’t forget to think of your eyes while you’re traveling, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says. Here are the academy’s suggestions while you’re on the road, either for business or pleasure: Bring an extra pair of glasses and contact lenses. If you have an emergency, do not put off seeing an eye specialist until you… read on >
When a person truly needs an antibiotic, the benefits of taking one outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. But is an antibiotic always needed? The CDC offers this information: Antibiotics are not effective on viruses, such as a cold or the flu. An… read on >
Are your feet something you think about only when they hurt? Simple steps can protect them from common problems, some of which are hard to get rid of. The first step is to wear shoes, such as water slip-ons, in moist environments like indoor swimming pools and communal showers at the gym. Damp areas allow… read on >
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 >
