Escherichia coli(E. coli) is a bacterium that’s found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals. Many strains are harmless, but some can make you very sick, causing diarrhea, urinary tract infection, respiratory illness and pneumonia, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Certain strains produce a toxin called Shiga, leading… read on >
If your pet’s medication comes with a broken seal or a leaking bottle, you should report these and similar issues to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at once, the agency asks. Here’s how the FDA says you can file a report: Call the drug company directly if you are reporting a bad reaction or… read on >
When it comes to having “the talk,” many teens admit they’re not communicating with their parents or their doctors about sex, new research reveals. “Teens and young adults account for more STIs [sexually transmitted infections] than all other ages combined,” said study co-author Dr. Kari Schneider, an assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at… read on >
Fewer young Americans are killed by guns in states with stricter gun laws, a new study finds. “Injuries due to firearms are the nation’s third-leading cause of pediatric death,” said study author Dr. Monika Goyal. She is director of research in the division of emergency medicine and trauma services at Children’s National Health System in… read on >
Hundreds of millions of people visit U.S. amusement parks every year and take over a billion rides. Serious injuries are few — about one in 24 million. Yet accidents — including fatal accidents — do happen, often because riders didn’t follow safety guidelines or had a pre-existing medical condition. But sometimes accidents can be caused… read on >
The overall quality of care provided by the U.S. Veterans Health Administration is equal to or better than that provided by other health care systems in the United States, a new report says. The Rand Corporation study did find significant variation in quality among individual VA hospitals — but less variation than was seen among… read on >
Dementia can turn even the simple task of getting dressed into a Herculean ordeal. But an experimental automated system called “DRESS” might someday ease that challenge. Using available technology, the system might enable patients to dress themselves without a human assistant. A just completed laboratory trial assessed the system’s ability to use video cameras, tablets,… read on >
Motorcycles are still deadlier than cars, but there’s some good news: Nearly 6 percent fewer bikers died on U.S. roads last year than in 2016, a new report says. Preliminary data indicate that there were 4,990 motorcyclist fatalities in the United States in 2017 — which is 296 fewer than the year before, according to… read on >
Eye problems are a common concern for those who have diabetes. High blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the retina, causing the vessels to swell, leak or close, the American Academy of Ophthalmology says. Here are the typical symptoms of what’s medically called diabetic retinopathy: In its early stages, diabetic retinopathy may not have… read on >
Many people who have had a colonoscopy say the prep is worse than the actual procedure. But it’s a necessary evil. Improper preparation, and you might as well skip the test altogether. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy advises on preparing for a colonoscopy: A day before the procedure, limit foods to clear broth, tea,… read on >
