THURSDAY, Oct. 4, 2018Vitamin D supplements have long been touted as a way to improve bone health and possibly ward off the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in older adults. But a new study contends that claims of benefits from supplements of the “sunshine vitamin” fall flat. A review of previously published studies found that taking either… read on >
May 7, 2018 marked a milestone for public health in the United States. It’s the date that mandatory nutrition and calorie information took effect for most chain restaurants, enabling consumers to compare menu items before ordering and, hopefully, make smarter choices. Some cities across the country had already required restaurants to post calorie counts so… read on >
In 2016, almost 174 Americans died each day due to drug overdoses — and roughly two-thirds of those deaths were caused by opioid drugs. The statistics are startling and make the problem seem hopeless. But is it? Beating drug addiction — whether it’s opioids (such as OxyContin), methamphetamine or something else — is definitely a… read on >
In rare instances, body odor or bad breath is a sign that something’s wrong. In most cases, however, it’s perfectly normal. So how do you deal with it? Typical body odor can be controlled by regular bathing, shaving, wearing clean clothing and using deodorant, the National Institutes of Health says. A dry mouth allows bacteria… read on >
If your child has seasonal allergies, you may be overwhelmed by the process of deciding on a treatment plan. The American Academy of Pediatrics says you should start with your child’s pediatrician. The doctor may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist, or suggest a treatment plan during an office visit. The academy offers these… read on >
Among the most significant advances in surgery has been the development of laparoscopic — or minimally invasive — procedures. These are new ways to perform many standard operations, with a few, very small incisions, often barely a half-inch long, compared to traditional so-called open surgery with one incision several inches long. To perform an operation… read on >
Tough pregnancies might translate into tough times during menopause, new research suggests. Women who developed complications during pregnancy — including dangerously high blood pressure (“preeclampsia”) and gestational diabetes — were more likely to experience more hot flashes during menopause, the researchers found. “This study further underscores the importance of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes… read on >
Americans’ love affair with fast food continues, with 1 in every 3 adults chowing down on the fare on any given day. That’s the finding from a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When asked by researchers, 37 percent of adults said they’d eaten fast food at least once over… read on >
The health benefits of quitting smoking have been well documented. But many people put it off, fearing the inevitable cravings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests how to manage cravings: Keep your hands busy, such as by sorting the mail or washing the dishes. Prepare healthy snacks in the morning to have… read on >
TUESDAY, Oct. 2, 2018The number of Americans with diabetes who wind up in hospitals with serious infections, or who develop them while in the hospital, is on the rise. Between 2010 and 2015, the number of diabetics hospitalized for infections rose 52 percent (from 16 per 1,000 people to 24 per 1,000), according to researchers… read on >
