A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off. Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors. Still, it’s a hazard worth looking out for,… read on >
While allergists have long known that farm life helps prevent allergies in kids, new research shows the benefit might even extend to adults who live near a farm. The findings “are indicative of potentially beneficial health effects of living in close proximity to farms,” said a team led by Dr. Lidwien Smit, of Utrecht University… read on >
Eye injuries are a leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, the U.S. National Eye Institute says. Baseball, basketball, hockey, boxing, squash, fencing, racquetball and lacrosse are just some of the high-risk sports for eye injuries, the institute says. It offers this additional advice about protective eyewear: Prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses… read on >
Many people don’t get enough exercise. But a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a host of physical and mental woes, from cancer to depression. The National Library of Medicine says an inactive lifestyle also is associated with: Obesity. Heart disease. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Stroke. Type 2 diabetes. Osteoporosis. Source: HealthDay
Anxiety during middle age might signal impending dementia, a new analysis suggests. Although millions of Americans suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, it’s not clear how it is linked to dementia or if treatment could nullify the risk, British researchers say. “We investigated anxiety levels that are significant enough to warrant being clinically diagnosed with… read on >
What women eat might determine when they enter menopause, new research suggests. After tracking more than 35,000 British women for four years, investigators found that menopause tended to start earlier among those whose diets were heavy in refined carbs. In contrast, menopause tended to begin later among those who consumed a lot of fish and… read on >
Still having a hard time getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies? Studies show one solution is to grow your own. Kids get excited as they watch a garden yield fresh foods and are more motivated to eat what they helped grow. It gives kids a good understanding of what it takes to get… read on >
Obesity may accelerate and amplify the crippling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, new research suggests. Conversely, the researchers also found that unexplained weight loss might also signal problems for these patients, because it could mean that they’re at greater risk for disability. “While patients and rheumatologists may be focused mostly on disease activity, we should also… read on >
Americans could add years to their lives with just a handful of healthy habits, a large, new study suggests. Right now, the typical 50-year-old American can expect to live another 30 to 33 years, according to government statistics. But based on the new study, those who maintain five lifestyle habits could add roughly a decade… read on >
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) most often affects infants and children younger than age 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Children that young lack immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD. the agency says. Typical symptoms of the highly contagious disease include: fever, painful mouth sores and a rash on… read on >
