Only about one in eight American adults has what is known as good metabolic health, a new study finds. This is an “alarmingly low” rate, according to researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Good metabolic health means having ideal measures of five factors without taking medications: blood sugar; triglycerides; good cholesterol… read on >
About 630,000 babies worldwide are born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) each year. They’ll need care averaging $23,000 annually, new research suggests. These children face a range of lifelong problems caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy, according to the research review. “People with FASD often require lifelong and multidimensional services to address their ever-changing… read on >
As many as 4 out of 5 Americans withhold important information from their doctor that could prove crucial to their health, a new study shows. Between 60 and 80 percent of people admit they avoid telling their doctor details that could be relevant to their well-being. “I know at some level this is a ‘no… read on >
Exposure to chemicals found in a wide array of personal care products has been linked to early puberty among girls, a new investigation warns. The issue centers on specific chemicals including phthalates, parabens and phenols. They’re found in an array of products, including perfumes, soaps, shampoos, nail polish, cosmetics, toothpaste, lipstick, hairsprays and skin lotions… read on >
If you bicker a lot with your spouse, it could be because you’re running low on energy. Low energy translates to less self-control and a greater chance of aggression. The good news: A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that a steady blood glucose level can translate into fewer… read on >
While completing a full marathon is a goal for many amateur runners, new research shows a shorter endurance race might put less strain on the heart. To gauge stress on the heart among 63 amateur runners after they had run either a full marathon, a half marathon or a 10-kilometer race, the researchers assessed levels… read on >
More than 15 million homes in the United States get their water from private wells, according to federal estimates. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates public drinking water, people with private wells need to check their water themselves, along with other maintenance steps. This is especially important if you’re thinking about having a baby.… read on >
Women with frontal lobe epilepsy are much more likely to have an increase in seizures during pregnancy than those with focal epilepsy or generalized epilepsy, researchers report. “Physicians need to monitor women with focal epilepsy — especially frontal lobe epilepsy — more closely during pregnancy because maintaining seizure control is particularly challenging for them,” said… read on >
If you’re shopping for toys this holiday season, make sure some simple, old-fashioned items are on your list, pediatricians say. In a new report, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is making recommendations on the best toys to buy for babies and young children. The bottom line: The traditional beats the digital. “This report is… read on >
Millions of people in America have diabetes, the American Diabetes Association says. While diabetes isn’t curable, early detection can help prevent some severe complications. The ADA says common symptoms of diabetes include: Feeling very thirsty. Feeling very hungry, despite having eaten recently. Being fatigued. Having blurry vision. Having cuts or bruises that are slow to… read on >
