Vaping is gaining a foothold in an unlikely population: New research shows a growing number of cancer patients are using electronic cigarettes. “The gradual but steady increase is quite striking,” said study author Dr. Nina Sanford, an assistant professor of radiation oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. “The high prevalence of e-cigarette use… read on >
Brittle bones are often seen as a woman’s health issue, but low bone mass may be more common among middle-aged men than generally thought, a small study suggests. The research, of 173 adults aged 35 to 50, found that men and women were equally likely to have low bone mass in the hip. It was… read on >
Bulges (aneurysms) in the abdominal aorta can pose real danger, but research suggests a less invasive method may be as good a fix for the problem as traditional surgery. The less invasive procedure is called endovascular repair. There are a number of short-term benefits to this less invasive fix, such as shorter hospital stays and… read on >
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a collection of symptoms, typically without visible signs of damage or disease in the digestive tract. People who have family members with IBS are at greater risk themselves, says the National Institutes of Health. Other risk factors include a gastrointestinal infection or a recent stressful event. Symptoms of IBS may include:… read on >
If you’ve ever wondered why emotional distress causes stomach cramps or a mad dash to the bathroom, know that there’s a direct line of communication that runs from your brain to your digestive tract. It’s called the enteric nervous system, and it can have a powerful effect. For instance, when you feel nervous or threatened,… read on >
Compound strength-training exercises get fast results, because they work many muscle groups at once. Many of these exercises use just your own bodyweight, such as pull-ups, which engage not only the shoulders and all the muscles of your arms, but also those in your back and core. Other exercises can be enhanced by holding a… read on >
Exercise apps and fitness trackers are all the rage, and now a new study shows they might actually work. A combination of an exercise app, an activity tracker and personal counseling increased women’s physical activity levels, researchers found. The study of 210 inactive women found that three months of this combined approach increased the number… read on >
Here’s another reason to keep your cholesterol under control: New research suggests that LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol may play a role in the development of early-onset Alzheimer’s. A rare form of the disease that occurs before the age of 65, early-onset Alzheimer’s has previously been linked to a gene mutation involved in how the body… read on >
Chronic nail biting is unsanitary and can damage skin around the nail. This behavior also increases the risk of infection and could harm the teeth, says Mayo Clinic. To stop nail biting, the clinic suggests: Avoid factors that trigger nail biting. Take steps to manage stress and anxiety. Keep nails neatly trimmed. Occupy your hands… read on >
You know how important it is to eat seafood twice a week, but buying fresh fish and shellfish can seem daunting. You’ll find that it’s a lot easier if you remember a few simple rules. When buying whole fish, look for bright, clear eyes. The eyes are the window to a truly fresh fish, because… read on >
