Doctors can’t yet predict if someone exposed to the flu will become sick. But such predictions may be getting closer to reality, new research hints. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine say they’ve identified a “biomarker” that indicates a person’s susceptibility to flu viruses. “We’ve been after this for about four years,” said study… read on >
Good sleep is hard to come by for the 25 percent of Americans who experience a period of severe insomnia each year, new research suggests. There was some good news, though: Most who suffer a bout of “acute,”‘ new-onset insomnia will recover and go on to gain restful slumber, the study found. Tracking more than… read on >
Every year, 1.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with diabetes, the U.S. National Institutes of Health says. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness and other health problems, the agency says. The NIH suggests: Take time to learn all you can about diabetes. With the help of… read on >
Healthy skin habits can make you look younger and reduce your risk of skin cancer. While ointments, creams and eye serums can mask the effects of aging, nothing beats a good skin-care routine, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy suggests: Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing a hat and… read on >
For years, doctors thought that giving IV fluids too quickly could trigger brain swelling in children experiencing a serious diabetes complication called ketoacidosis. But new research now suggests the treatment is safe. In four different scenarios, the rate of fluid replacement, as well as the concentration of saline (salt) in that fluid, didn’t raise the… read on >
As Americans, we’re making some headway in our efforts to improve the quality of our diet, but we’re far from ideal levels. Research shows that healthier eating prevented over a million premature deaths in the 13-year period from 1999 to 2012, along with 8.6 percent fewer heart disease cases, 1.3 percent fewer cancer cases, and… read on >
A growing number of American men are having cosmetic surgery to improve their looks and increase their confidence, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports. More than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on U.S. men in 2017, according to the group. “For a lot of men, just having a procedure on an area of… read on >
Elevated blood pressure in your 50s might raise your risk of developing dementia later in life, a new European study has found. People with a systolic blood pressure of 130 or more at age 50 were 45 percent more likely to be struck by dementia than people with lower blood pressure at the same age,… read on >
Gum disease is a common problem that can lead to bad breath, swollen gums and tooth loss if untreated. Most people don’t show signs of gum disease until they’re in their 30s or 40s. But getting older doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get gum disease. Daily dental care and regular visits to your dentist can lessen… read on >
Wearing athletic shoes that don’t fit can lead to injury, pain and poor performance. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society suggests how to select the right shoes: Buy footwear from a specialty store, where the staff can offer advice and fit you for the right shoes. Try on shoes later in the day or… read on >
