Progress made in limiting kids’ exposure to secondhand smoke could be undermined by the increasing popularity of pot, a new study suggests. “As we are removing cigarette smoke — and that’s a major public policy achievement — that success will be attenuated by increasing exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke,” said lead researcher Renee Goodwin. The… read on >
Your refrigerator should be kept at or slightly below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests using a thermometer to ensure that your refrigerator maintains the correct temperature. The FDA also suggests: Avoid stuffing your fridge, as it will prevent cold air from circulating around… read on >
End of life care is focused on easing pain and comforting a person who is dying. The focus should be on the person’s mental and emotional needs, spirituality and fulfilling everyday obligations, the National Institute on Aging says. The agency suggests caregivers ask the person’s doctor these questions: Since there is no cure for what… read on >
Sun damage puts children and teens at risk for deadly melanoma, so parents need to protect their youngsters from the sun and teach them about sun safety, oncologists say. “Don’t assume children cannot get skin cancer because of their age,” said Dr. Alberto Pappo, director of the solid tumor division at St. Jude Children’s Research… read on >
Stroke is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but a lack of awareness and resources hinder efforts to change that, the American Stroke Association says. “We must aggressively continue our efforts to reduce stroke, especially in multicultural communities, and to reach people at younger ages,” said Dr. Mitchell Elkind, a professor… read on >
There’s a danger lurking in rice and you won’t find it by reading labels. It’s the chemical arsenic. And the threat isn’t about immediate poisoning but rather that long-term exposure to small amounts can increase the risk of bladder, lung and skin cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Arsenic naturally finds its way into our soil… read on >
It’s smoking tobacco and drinking alcohol — and not taking illegal drugs — that pose the greatest risks to people’s health, a new international study contends. Researchers found that alcohol and tobacco use combined cost more than a quarter of a billion disability-adjusted life-years worldwide, while illegal drugs only accounted for tens of millions in… read on >
In 2013, there was just one clean-needle program in all of West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina, and the latter two states had laws banning such programs. Fast-forward four years: All of those laws have now been overturned and the number of “syringe services programs” available to help addicts has risen to over 50 across… read on >
A normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but this rate will be affected by a person’s stress, caffeine consumption, anxiety, hormones, medication and fitness level, the American Heart Association says. Your resting heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in a minute while you are at… read on >
All children become aggressive now and then. But is your youngster prone to long or frequent outbursts? If so, it may be time to see a pediatrician, the American Academy of Pediatrics says. Providing your child with a stable, warm, and secure home life with firm, yet loving discipline is the best way to prevent… read on >
