A sprained thumb occurs when ligaments stretch beyond their limits. The most common cause of a sprained thumb is falling onto an outstretched hand, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says. Depending on the sprain’s severity, you may have bruising, tenderness and swelling around the base of your thumb. Difficulty grasping things also is common.… read on >
A concussion is a brain injury that results from an impact to the head. While it usually isn’t life-threatening, a concussion can cause short-term and long-term problems. Parents and caregivers of concussed children should take an active role in their recovery, the New York State Department of Health says. The agency suggests: Make sure the… read on >
High blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions in the United States and one of the most treatable, an expert says. High blood pressure affects a third of adults ages 40-59 and nearly two-thirds of those 60 and older. “It’s something we check at almost every medical appointment, no matter what,” said… read on >
Kids in high chairs should never be left alone. Nor should they be placed there for long periods, safety experts warn. High chair-related injuries — mainly falls — have risen in recent years, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Most of these injuries occur when a child stands while attempting to get out… read on >
Studies show that the earlier a child’s school struggles are addressed, the better the outcome will be. So it’s important for parents to tackle problems early on rather than ignore them or hope children will grow out of them. It’s often easy to spot a child who’s having difficulty with addition or subtraction, but other… read on >
Take-out pizza is the ultimate fast food — gooey cheese, salty sauce, fatty pepperoni, all baked on top of what’s basically white bread. But there’s no need to feel guilty about enjoying a hot slice once you’ve mastered a nutritious and delicious pizza makeover. Add just a few ingredients to your weekly shopping list. It… read on >
The switch to Daylight Saving Time can increase the risk of driver fatigue and crashes, but there are a number of ways to reduce the danger, an expert says. “Any time change can exacerbate drowsiness because your internal clock has not adjusted to the time change. This can lead to disruptions in sleep until your… read on >
People taking blood pressure medications have faced a frightening and bewildering series of pharmaceutical recalls in recent months, as trace amounts of cancer-causing chemicals have been discovered in individual batches of drugs. But experts from the nation’s leading heart groups are urging patients to remain calm, even as the recall list continues to grow. The… read on >
Frostbite is a serious injury caused by extreme cold, which results in skin discoloration and loss of feeling. The nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are most often affected. To avoid permanent damage, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges the public to seek immediate medical care. Until immediate medical care is… read on >
While energy drinks are promoted as products that increase energy and enhance performance, they also can put users at risk. From 2007 to 2011, energy-drink related emergency room visits doubled. Overconsumption of energy drinks can cause a host of issues, the U.S> National Institutes of Health says. The NIH warns that excessive consumption can result… read on >
