The National Safety Council has a sobering forecast for this Fourth of July. It estimates that 18,600 people could be seriously injured on U.S. roads and 164 could be killed — nearly 4 percent more than the number of deaths (157) that occurred in 2012, the last time July 4 fell on Wednesday. “Independence Day… read on >
Sticking with one primary care doctor may help you stay healthy and extend your life, according to a new British study. Researchers reviewed 22 studies from nine countries with different cultures and health systems. Of those, 18 concluded that staying with the same doctor over time significantly reduced early deaths, compared with switching doctors. “Currently,… read on >
Students who use electronic cigarettes by the time they start ninth grade are more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes and use other tobacco products within a year, according to a new study by the National Institutes of Health published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The study looked at 222 9th graders… read on >
Croup tends to occur between 3 months and 5 years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Most common in autumn and winter, it causes swelling of the voice box and windpipe. This leads to a bark-like cough. Most instances of croup resolve on their own, but occasionally it can lead to complications that… read on >
While recommendations call for adults to exercise for 30 minutes a day, kids need double that amount — yes, 60 minutes of physical play a day. And being active as a family can make it easier for kids to reach this goal. For starters, make it a point to plan family outings that involve exercise,… read on >
Student athletes who specialize in one sport year-round could lose out in academics and other fields, a new study finds. “Today’s students have so many responsibilities and when you add specializing in a sport — with participation in school and club teams, practices, tournaments and lots of travel — there just aren’t enough hours in… read on >
The genes that make Fido your best friend are being uncovered by researchers. The investigators compared the DNA of modern dogs, ancient dogs and wolves. That comparison found something odd: Sometimes, the DNA of modern dogs didn’t match that from ancient canines. “We convinced ourselves that previous studies found many genes not associated with being… read on >
Robots work on assembly lines and assist doctors in the operating room. They manage inventory in warehouses and vacuum floors in homes. And one day soon, they could help care for Alzheimer’s patients. Several teams of scientists from around the world are investigating ways in which robots might help manage the daily living tasks of… read on >
Dairy products are a great source of calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients that help promote bone growth. The U.S. National Institutes of Health says most people in the United States aren’t getting the calcium they need for the heart, muscles, nerves and bones. The agency suggests: Drink low-fat or fat-free milk. Have milk with… read on >
Parents should play an active role in ensuring that their kids develop healthy eating habits to prevent too much weight gain. Excessive weight gain is associated with health issues such as breathing problems, type 2 diabetes, joint pain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases… read on >
