Polluted air may trigger as many as 33 million asthma-related emergency room visits globally each year, a new study finds. “Millions of people worldwide have to go to emergency rooms for asthma attacks every year because they are breathing dirty air,” said study lead author Susan Anenberg, of George Washington University in Washington, D.C. “Our… read on >
Many women living with advanced breast cancer face significant financial strains — from paying for their care to simply covering monthly bills, a new survey finds. Researchers found that of the more than 1,000 women they surveyed, nearly 70 percent said they were worried about the financial fallout related to their cancer. Many said they’d… read on >
Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in a car crash that results in injury or death than any other age group in the United States, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Teens with less than 18 months of driving experience are much more at risk of a crash or near-crash because of factors… read on >
If you suffer from knee arthritis and worry that walking will only worsen your damaged joint, a new study suggests you put your fears aside, slip on some sneakers, and take a brief but brisk walk. The researchers estimated that if older adults with the condition added just 5 minutes of brisk walking to their… read on >
One of the more popular fitness trends are education programs designed for consumers. Fitness buffs and weekend warriors alike can explore new ideas and techniques, and learn from professionals in various fields. These programs take many forms. More and more communities now stage health and fitness events, such as fairs, that offer wellness information and… read on >
With flu season imminent, U.S. health officials urge everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot. Already, one unvaccinated child in Florida has died from flu, the officials warned. Not many cases have been reported so far, so it’s too soon to know if this year’s strains will be as severe as last… read on >
There’s a good chance a dose of tiny plastic particles has taken up residence in your gut, a new, small study argues. Microplastics, as they are called, were found in stool samples from a handful of volunteers located across Europe and Asia, researchers report. Every single person out of the group of 8 had microplastics… read on >
Exercise is good for your body and your mind, experts say. Scientists have found that areas of the brain that control memory and planning and organizing skills tend to get stronger with exercise, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. The agency says dancing is a particularly good form of exercise, since it… read on >
About 10 percent of Americans get the flu each year, mostly as the weather turns colder. While for most people the flu is a major inconvenience but a minor health threat, for older adults and others with weaker immune systems, the flu can be life-threatening. The U.S. National Institute on Aging says you should contact… read on >
With the national shortage of primary care doctors and — in certain areas — specialists, and with a quarter of the population living in rural areas without easy access to care, telehealth has stepped in to help fill the gap. In fact, millions of Americans now use it every year. Telehealth involves virtual office visits.… read on >
