Pot is increasingly replacing cigarettes and alcohol as the first drug of choice among young Americans, researchers have found. Boys, black Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics and multi-racial Americans were the most likely to turn to marijuana before other recreational drugs, the new report suggests. For the study, the investigators analyzed nationwide surveys done between 2004… read on >
A computer can beat even highly experienced dermatologists in spotting deadly melanomas, researchers report. The study is the latest to test the idea that “artificial intelligence” can improve medical diagnoses. Typically, it works like this: Researchers develop an algorithm using “deep learning” — where the computer system essentially mimics the brain’s neural networks. It’s exposed… read on >
Someone who is unsteady, weak and maybe a bit confused is a prime candidate for a dangerous fall. The American Cancer Society says caregivers can help prevent falls by: Sitting the person on the side of the bed for a minute, just after the person wakes. This will help if changing positions too quickly makes… read on >
Eating lots of cruciferous vegetables — such as kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower — could lower your risk of developing heart disease, Australian researchers say. Study results published in the Journal of the American Heart Association explored whether there was a link between the thickness of the neck arteries, the severity of plaque… read on >
Obese women who have been healthy for decades may still be on the path to heart problems, a new study suggests. “If you are obese, but free of disease like diabetes or hypertension, it does not mean you are free of the risk for cardiovascular disease,” said lead researcher Matthias Schulze. “You are still at… read on >
Urgent care centers are popping up across the country as an option for medical treatment. But it’s important to know the differences between these facilities and your local hospital emergency department. The ER is for life-threatening situations, yet many people go there when urgent care is more appropriate. According to one study, nearly half of… read on >
When it comes to kids and medical procedures like needles, expectation is everything. If they think the shot will hurt, it probably will, a new study finds. On the flip side, if they’re coaxed not to expect a lot of pain, they may feel it less. “We know that expectation affects pain experience in adults;… read on >
Many doctors have internet portals to help patients manage their care. But that doesn’t mean older folks will use them. A University of Michigan poll found only about half of patients 50 to 80 years old have set up an online account with their health care provider. “The health care system has provided patient portals… read on >
Can an artificially sweetened drink or food really satisfy your sweet tooth without raising your blood sugar levels? That depends on what’s in the food or drink, but a new review confirms that artificial sweeteners alone won’t cause a spike in blood sugar. “It’s been widely accepted that nonnutritive sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar, but… read on >
May is Women’s Health Month. With that in mind, doctors are offering suggestions for steps that women can take to reduce their risk of diseases and safeguard their health, both physical and mental. Dr. Blanca Sckell is medical director of the Ambulatory Care Center and internal medicine program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, in New York City.… read on >
