Hot flashes, a common curse in menopause, can be especially bothersome after breast cancer. But a new study suggests an existing medication may help. The drug is oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), long used to treat urinary incontinence. The study found that women taking the medicine had an average of five fewer hot flashes a week, compared… read on >
On the surface, the news looks good for America’s mental health — a new report shows the rate of people with serious psychological distress is declining, and more folks are seeking mental health care on an outpatient basis. But the haves are edging out the have-nots when it comes to mental health care, a closer… read on >
Bottlemouth syndrome is a form of tooth decay that affects babies and young children. It is caused by prolonged drinking of sugary liquids from a bottle. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children are at greater risk of bottlemouth if they are put to bed with a bottle of milk or juice. The decay is… read on >
Sleep is a complex biological process that helps you process new information, stay healthy and feel rested, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. Not getting enough sleep can trigger illness, poor performance in daily activities, memory loss and other health concerns, the agency adds. Here are suggestions for getting enough quality sleep: Go to… read on >
Brown-bag lunches give you control over what you eat and what your children eat, but studies show that these to-go meals need to be healthier. This is especially important for kids because their eating habits are developed during the preschool years. Recent studies have evaluated lunches for preschoolers by comparing their contents to the Healthy… read on >
A change as simple as where you do most of your food shopping could translate to a better diet. A San Diego State University study looked at the food shopping habits of college students in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and identified patterns, such as whether they were fresh food market or convenience shoppers, and whether… read on >
For many breast cancer patients, removal of lymph nodes in the armpit area is a common procedure, due to worries that the tumor has spread to these tissues. But the operation can also bring the difficult long-term side effect of lymphedema, a painful arm swelling. Now, new Dutch research suggests that for early stage breast… read on >
Heart patients taking part in cardiac rehabilitation could receive a spicy side effect from the program — a boost in their sex life. Attending cardiac rehab is associated with improved sexual function and more frequent sex, according to a new evidence review. The program likely helps by increasing the patient’s physical fitness, said lead researcher… read on >
Medical science has made tremendous advances in “personalized medicine” — drugs that fight cancer and other diseases by boosting the immune system or targeting specific genetic traits. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter benefited from one of these drugs, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), which successfully beat back his brain cancer by ramping up his immune system. But the… read on >
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. Symptoms of a concussion tend to appear soon after an injury occurs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. If you or a loved one is playing a team sport and suspect a concussion, the… read on >
