Colder weather may raise the risk for a heart attack, a preliminary study suggests. Researchers in Taiwan found that heart attack rates fluctuated seasonally, with more occurring in winter than summer. When the temperature fell below 59 degrees Fahrenheit, heart attacks increased dramatically, the study authors said. “When the temperature drops, people at high risk… read on >
A newer type of cancer treatment may offer the chance of longer survival, but the drugs could also trigger new side effects, such as vision problems. New research reports on three cases of a potentially vision-threatening eye condition called uveal effusion that patients developed after taking cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses a person’s own immune system… read on >
The millions of Americans who suffer from migraine may have a new source of hope — the first drug aimed at preventing the headaches gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval on Thursday. Researchers have found that the injected drug, called Aimovig (erenumab), can prevent migraines if other treatments have failed to do so. “Aimovig… read on >
Daily chores give a child a sense of responsibility and help the child understand that life is a mix of work and play, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Chores should be appropriate for the child’s age, such as cleaning the room, making the bed and clearing the table, the physician group says. The AAP… read on >
Periodic limb movementsare repetitive movements that typically occur in the lower limbs every 20-40 seconds during sleep, the National Sleep Foundation says. The actions may resemble muscle twitches, jerking movements or upward flexing of the feet. Episodes of periodic limb movement syndrome (PLMS) can last from a few minutes to a few hours. While the… read on >
As if older women didn’t already worry enough about their bone health, new research suggests that anxiety may up their risk for fractures. Based on an analysis involving almost 200 postmenopausal Italian women, the finding builds upon previous research linking anxiety to a higher risk for heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. “Our findings are quite… read on >
Whether you’re studying for an important exam or learning a new language, there’s more proof that nonstop cramming sessions may not translate into the long-term memory retention you want. Memory is a complex process that requires time for the brain to absorb new information. One needed step is called memory consolidation, when the newly created… read on >
While much attention has been paid to the dangers of e-cigarette use among teens, new research shows that more than half of all tobacco smoked by young people comes from hookahs. The researchers warned that smoking cessation strategies should include these water pipes, which are gaining popularity in this age group. “Most hookah smokers in… read on >
Male cancer patients seem to fare significantly better following immunotherapy treatment than female patients, new research indicates. “Both sex and gender can potentially affect the strength of the body’s immune response,” explained study author Dr. Fabio Conforti, from the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy. For example, Conforti noted that women generally show stronger… read on >
Teens who watch more medical marijuana ads are more likely to smoke pot themselves, new research indicates. “Our findings suggest that increased exposure to medical marijuana advertising is associated with increased marijuana use and related negative consequences throughout adolescence,” said study lead author Elizabeth D’Amico, of the RAND Corporation. “This work highlights the importance of… read on >
