Only about half the parents of asthmatic preschoolers had the right knowledge and medicines on hand to treat their child’s breathing condition at home, a new study found. And one-third of those children had empty inhalers, the researchers reported. “The inability to treat asthma could lead to emergency department visits,” explained senior study author Michelle… read on >
Researchers have identified what they describe as the safest, most effective short-term drug treatments for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s methylphenidate for kids and amphetamines for adults, according to a new study. Those conclusions are drawn from an analysis of more than 133 clinical trials that included more than 14,000 children and teens, as well… read on >
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations are effective for teen girls who didn’t get the recommended shots when they were 11 or 12, researchers report. The Kaiser Permanente study of more than 25,000 women aged 26 and younger found that those who got all three doses of the vaccinations between ages 14 and 20 were protected against… read on >
If you’re in your early 60s, becoming more active may reduce your risk of heart disease, researchers report. That’s especially true for women, they added. “The 60 to 64 age range represents an important transition between work and retirement, when lifestyle behaviors tend to change. It may, therefore, be an opportunity to promote increased physical… read on >
You can splurge from time to time and still lose weight when you choose foods that are lavish but also low-calorie. The meat in a steamed one-pound lobster has fewer than 100 calories. If you don’t want to fuss, order a broiled lobster tail. King crab legs are another succulent favorite that can sub for… read on >
Mosquito bites may be more than just an itchy annoyance — they also can transmit deadly germs that cause diseases such as Zika, West Nile or dengue, the U.S. National Institutes of Health warns. Mosquito-borne illnesses kill about 725,000 people worldwide each year, the agency says. Here are the NIH’s suggestions for avoiding mosquito bites:… read on >
Spending a semester in another country can be an incredible experience, but it doesn’t come without risk of travel-related illness. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prepare for a semester abroad: Learn about health concerns in your host country. At least a month before you leave, make an appointment… read on >
Allergies and asthma can make the start of the new school year a challenge for kids who aren’t prepared to deal with flare-ups, an allergist warns. “Every age group is different in how much they can handle when it comes to protecting themselves from flare-ups due to allergies and asthma while at school, as well… read on >
Be sure to put vaccinations on your children’s back-to-school lists, whether they’re just starting school or heading off to college, experts say. By protecting infants, children and teens from serious diseases, vaccinations also protect families, schools and communities. “The best way to treat diseases is to prevent them in the first place, and the diseases… read on >
Emergency treatment rarely allows you much time to consider your options. But what about care that can be done on your timetable? There are many tools available to help you understand the pros and cons of nearly any procedure and — through an open discussion with your health-care provider — determine what’s best for you.… read on >
