The wheezy lung disease asthma is yet one more problem linked to excess weight in childhood, a new study suggests. The research contends that as many as 10 percent of pediatric asthma cases in the United States could be avoided if childhood obesity were eliminated. “There are very few preventable risk factors for asthma —… read on >
A new government study finds that roughly 1 in 40 American children has autism, a huge jump from the previous estimate of 1 in every 59 children. The survey asked parents of more than 43,000 children between the ages of 3 and 17 whether or not their children had ever been diagnosed with autism or… read on >
As you age, it can be difficult to stay active, particularly during winter. The National Institute on Aging urges people to stay active all year long. Here are the agency’s suggestions: If you have grandchildren, when they visit, head outside to build a snowman together or go ice-skating. If it is very cold, consider exercising… read on >
You should think about your lifestyle and family’s needs before introducing a pet at home, the American Veterinary Medical Association says. Pets require love and attention, and a pet isn’t right for every family, the group says. It advises here’s what you should consider: Do you already have a pet? If so, will your current… read on >
People caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia should focus on four main safety issues, an expert says. Nearly 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. About 16.1 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. “When approaching dementia families, I follow… read on >
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for people with food allergies. But one health expert suggests that these folks can still enjoy festive gatherings, as long as they take certain precautions. About 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States have a food allergy, according to the U.S.… read on >
Wondering if having a second child will affect your marriage even more than baby number one did? There’s no doubt that having a baby and changing from a couple into a family requires a lot of adjustment. But research shows that the adjustment period that follows a second child typically isn’t as long. For most… read on >
Nasal irrigation systems, sometimes called neti pots, use a saltwater solution to help tame congested sinuses. The devices, when used properly, can help moisten dried and swollen nasal passages. But if misused or improperly cleaned, they can also lead to infection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. The FDA suggests using only distilled, sterile… read on >
Older heart attack patients who are frail are at increased risk for bleeding when being treated, a new study finds. Researchers analyzed data from more than 129,000 heart attack patients older than 65 who were treated at 775 U.S. hospitals between early 2015 and late 2016. Those who were frail had a 50 percent higher… read on >
With more and more research uncovering the best foods for health, people are learning how important it is to focus on food quality to prevent weight gain and live longer. There are many approaches to consider. For instance, findings show that a diet high in fiber, especially from fruits and vegetables, can lower stroke risk.… read on >
