Advances in medical technology sometimes come with drawbacks, and in the case of electronic health records, a new study suggests these systems occasionally put patients at risk. “There’s no question that electronic health records have clear benefits for clinicians and patients, and can improve the care process,” said senior author Raj Ratwani. He is director… read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision late last year to delay a review of electronic cigarettes and cigars is unlawful and a threat to public health, according to a lawsuit launched by seven medical and public health groups, as well as five individual pediatricians. According to the groups, the FDA’s decision to delay the… read on >
Besides staying alert, coffee lovers who drink more than three cups of java a day may lower their risk for clogged arteries, a new Brazilian study suggests. Scientists surveyed more than 4,400 residents of Sao Paulo about their coffee-drinking habits, and correlated them with coronary artery calcium (CAC) readings. CAC scans look for signs of… read on >
Raw fruit and vegetables provide vital nutrients and vitamins. But they may also harbor harmful germs, such as Salmonella andE. coli. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to select and store fruit and vegetables: Select producethat doesn’t look bruised or damaged. Keep precut fruit and vegetables cold.Refrigerate it or keep it on… read on >
New research suggests that a special MRI technique can spot abnormal connections in the brains of preschoolers with autism. The discovery “may be a clue for future diagnosis and even for therapeutic intervention in preschool children with [autism],” study co-author Dr. Lin Ma, a radiologist at Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing, explained in a… read on >
Dieters sometimes chalk up their lack of weight-loss success to a lack of willpower. The truth about willpower, though, is that everyone has some. Research has shown that you wake up each day with a limited supply that gets depleted very quickly. The more you use willpower to avoid temptation of any kind, the faster… read on >
All those hours spent reading bedtime stories may pay off for you and your little ones beyond language and brain development: New research suggests it’s also good for social and behavioral skills. Evaluating prior studies on parent-child reading in children up to age 6, researchers in Hong Kong found positive effects for both sides in… read on >
The hormone testosterone is responsible for male characteristics such as facial and body hair, muscle development, regulating sex drive, sperm production and bone health. Low testosterone can result in loss of hair and muscle, mood changes, less energy and smaller testes, the Endocrine Society says. If your doctor detects low testosterone, he or she may… read on >
Pierced ears may be all the rage, but they can lead to infection if not properly cared for. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests how to reduce your risk: Always wash your hands after touching your ears. After you pierce your ears, leave the earrings in for at least six weeks to prevent the… read on >
There’s another study that finds that taking the epilepsy drug valproate while pregnant may take an intellectual toll on offspring. Children whose mothers took the anti-seizure medication during pregnancy appear to get lower scores on school tests, the new study finds. The U.K. researchers pointed to prior studies with similar results, and they recommend that… read on >
