Indoor air may actually harbor more hazardous pollutants than outdoor air, the National Safety Council says. These may include cigarette smoke, chemical odors, lead, mold, radon and pesticide residues, the agency says. Here are its recommendations for how to keep your home’s air safer: Test your home for radon. Keep your car and home smoke-free.… read on >
If you’re worried that too much “screen time” could be sapping your child’s intelligence, new research suggests you might be right. Kids with the sharpest intellects spent less than two hours a day on their cellphones, tablets and computers, coupled with 9 to 11 hours of sleep and at least an hour of physical activity,… read on >
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay — News) — There’s long been a connection between birth control pills and a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Now, new research suggests that’s true for the latest form of the drug, as well. Scientists say the protective effect of the newer pills — which contain lower doses of estrogens… read on >
Your eyes are subject to a wide variety of health conditions, from minor annoyances to serious chronic diseases and even cancer. While it’s never a good idea to ignore any change in your vision or in the appearance of your eyes, call your doctor right away if you experience the following warning signs. Report any… read on >
Most people carrying genes that put them at risk for cancer don’t realize it, new research suggests. Genetic screenings of more than 50,000 people found that more than 80 percent of those who carry a known gene variant for breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer were unaware of their risk. Researchers noted that most people… read on >
Maybe your cat is scratching up that sofa for a good reason: New research suggests that chemicals found in upholstery and carpeting may harm feline thyroids. The chemicals are called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They were in common use until about 2000 in furniture, floor coverings and clothing because of their ability to repel… read on >
During LASIK surgery, a laser reshapes the eye’s cornea and is designed to improve how the eye focuses light onto the retina. But LASIK isn’t for everyone, and it won’t give all recipients perfect vision, the Federal Trade Commission warns. Even with LASIK, you probably will need reading glasses in your mid-40s, the agency says.… read on >
The closeness of college dorms and cafeterias means students are prone to getting sick or acquiring infections. Colleges typically have a medical facility on campus that students can go to if they feel sick, but a more serious illness may require a visit to the emergency room. The American Academy of Pediatrics says college students… read on >
One of the key members of your health-care team might not be a doctor or a nurse, but a physician assistant. A physician assistant — or PA — is a specialist with training to fill gaps in primary care, not only in rural communities, but also in busy practices in other areas. If you call… read on >
Regular exercise might delay a rare form of early onset Alzheimer’s disease, a new study suggests. Researchers found that 2.5 hours of walking or other physical activity a week thwarted mental decline tied to autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease (ADAD). This is an inherited form of disease that leads to dementia at an early age. “The… read on >
