Fewer U.S. kids are plagued by tooth cavities compared to just a few years ago, but income disparities persist, according to a new U.S. government study. Researchers found that in 2015-2016, about 43 percent of children ages 2 to 19 had cavities. That was down from 50 percent four years earlier. This is the good… read on >
Eye drops are a popular way to treat glaucoma, a group of diseases that, if untreated, can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. To be safe and effective, however, these eye drops must be used as prescribed by a doctor. The U.S. National Eye Institute offers these suggestions: Wash yourhands before use. Hold… read on >
Some 3 million people — many under age 5 — swallow or consume a poisonous substance each year, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Common sources include medicines, cleaning products, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, pesticides, furniture polish, gasoline, kerosene and lamp oil. The academy advises on how to reduce the risks of poisoning at your… read on >
Although the opioid epidemic continues to rage in America, promising new data show that first-time opioid painkiller prescription rates have slowed in recent years. The researchers also discovered that people taking medications called benzodiazepines — used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and mental conditions associated with chronic pain — were more likely to receive a… read on >
If you suffer from allergies, you already know that pollen is in the air — even in the parts of the United States with unseasonably cool temperatures. So what kind of allergy season can we expect this year? Will we see a return of the pollen vortex? Might we have a blooming bombogenesis of pollen?… read on >
It’s no secret that weight gain results from consuming too many calories. But at its core is an imbalance of healthy and unhealthy habits. On one side of the scale — the healthy side — are foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean protein and plant-based fats. On the other side are the… read on >
A big boost in cigarette prices could lead to fewer health problems and less poverty for millions of people worldwide, according to a new study. The researchers from the Global Tobacco Economics Consortium used a computer model to predict how a 50 percent cigarette tax increase would affect health and poverty in 13 middle-income countries… read on >
Bringing high blood pressure under control can reduce older black Americans’ risk of dementia, a new study finds. Black people are at high risk for high blood pressure and dementia, the researchers noted. The study included more than 1,200 black Americans, aged 65 and older, with high blood pressure who did not have dementia. The… read on >
Women have unique nutritional needs, especially during pregnancy and menopause. Here’s how a woman’s diet should differ from that of a man, courtesy of the U.S. government’s Office on Women’s Health: Calories.Women typically need fewercalories because women naturally have less muscle, more body fat and are usually smaller. Vitamins and minerals.Calcium, iron and folic acid… read on >
Each year, thousands of adults over age 60 are abused, neglected or financially exploited, the National Institute on Aging says. The agency mentions these possible warning signs of elder abuse: Troublesleeping Depression or confusion. Unexplained weight loss. Acting agitated or violent. Social withdrawal. Unexplained bruises, burns or scars. Unkempt appearance. Bed sores. Source: HealthDay
