A new subtype of multiple sclerosis (MS) has been identified by researchers, and the discovery changes understanding of the disease. MS has long been considered a disease of the brain’s white matter, where immune cells destroy the fatty protective covering (myelin) on nerve cells. The destruction of myelin (demyelination) is linked to nerve cell death… read on >
A combination of two drugs that work with the immune system can help beat back melanoma that has moved to the brain, an early clinical trial has found. The study included 94 patients with advanced melanoma that had invaded the brain. All were treated with two “immunotherapy” drugs — Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) —… read on >
Three-year-old children may be among the most difficult to manage as they become more independent and talkative. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these ways to manage the sometimes terrible 3’s: Be positive, and try to yell less often. Be aware of your child’s needs. Give the child your full attention in frequent, small doses.… read on >
A well-planned vegetarian diet is healthy for an infant or toddler, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says. But it’s crucial to make sure that the young child gets all necessary nutrients, the academy says. These nutrients include: Vitamin B12 — This vitamin can be obtained by consuming dairy products and eggs. Vegans may opt… read on >
Many studies have pointed to the serious health threats of long periods of uninterrupted sitting at home or at work. Even if you get in a 30-minute exercise session a day, that may not be enough to undo all the damage of sitting. An overall sedentary lifestyle has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some… read on >
With the start of a new school year, bullying will become an issue for many children and their parents. Parents should teach their children to respond to bullying by staying calm; looking the bully in the eye; saying in a firm voice, “I don’t like what you are doing,” or “Please don’t talk to me… read on >
Scientists say they’re researching a way to destroy cancer cells that travel to other parts of the body. Many cancers become especially dangerous only when they spread (metastasize) from the initial location to other tissues such as the lungs, brain or bone, the University of Colorado Cancer Center researchers explained. The investigators found that when… read on >
Many people with spinal cord injuries suffer the loss of bladder control, but a small new study shows that stimulation of the lower spine might help them regain some of that control. The study included five male patients. For four months, they received 15 minutes a week of noninvasive, painless lower spinal cord stimulation conducted… read on >
Young athletes specializing in one sport may hope it’s a ticket to an athletic scholarship in college, but a new analysis suggests the practice might also doom them to overuse injuries. Pulling data from five prior studies, scientists found that athletes aged 18 and younger who concentrated on a single sport were nearly two times… read on >
Cases of childhood obesity have risen steadily over the past two decades, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Children who are obese are more likely to be bullied, are at higher risk of developing other chronic health problems and are more likely to remain obese as adults, the agency says. The CDC… read on >
