“Eyeballing” emergency room patients may be better than a formal medical assessment in identifying those most in need of urgent care, a new study suggests. Nearly 6,400 patients seeking ER care were assessed over three months. Nurses used an established triage protocol to determine which patients were the sickest, while medical students and phlebotomists (blood… read on >
Young football players who suffer repeated head blows — but not concussions — may not sustain brain damage, a new study suggests. For the study, researchers followed 112 football players, aged 9 to 18, during the 2016 season. “We expected repetitive impacts to correlate with worsening neurocognitive [brain] function, but we found that sub-concussive head… read on >
Stimulating a specific set of nerves that are nestled along the spine may deliver relief to those who suffer from chronic back pain and cut the need for opioid painkillers, new research suggests. The therapy, which targets the root ganglion nerves, is more effective than other spine stimulation procedures because it places tiny leads precisely… read on >
The gluten-free diet craze is both reassuring and upsetting to people with celiac disease who are allergic to the nutrient, a small study suggests. People with celiac disease say they’re happy to have more food choices at stores and restaurants. But some with celiac sense a growing stigma as other people voluntarily go gluten-free. And… read on >
Nations that officially frown upon hitting kids as a form of punishment appear to have teens who are less prone to violence, new research suggests. In countries that have a complete ban on corporal punishment (spanking and slapping), the rates of physical fighting among teens are as much as 69 percent lower than in countries… read on >
Acne is often thought of as a younger person’s condition — a symptom of the transition from childhood to young adulthood. But some people in their 30s, 40s and 50s still have acne, the American Academy of Dermatology says. Here’s the group’s list of common triggers of adult acne: Fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual… read on >
A huge bowl of greens can be filling and chock full of vitamins, minerals and fiber. But what you top it with can turn it from diet delight to diet disaster. Whether you’re at home or facing a tempting all-you-can-eat salad bar at a restaurant, these tips will keep fat and calories in check. Creamy… read on >
Fear of doctors is common among American preschoolers, and a trip to the pediatrician’s office can cause equal anxiety for Mom and Dad. Half of 2- to 5-year-olds are afraid of going to the doctor, according to a new survey of 726 parents. And some kids get so upset that 1 in 5 parents say… read on >
A year after a concussion, up to one-third of kids still have symptoms such as headache and irritability that may affect school performance, a new study finds. “Children with all types of injuries may show post-concussion symptoms,” said lead researcher Linda Ewing-Cobbs, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center Medical… read on >
Lengthy power outages are often unwanted headaches left in the wake of hurricanes and other severe storms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration offers the following ways to prepare for unpredictable weather by having key supplies available: Containers of ice to keep food cold, or to melt if water supply is contaminated or unavailable. Coolers,… read on >
