Children with autism show abnormalities in a deep brain circuit that typically makes socializing enjoyable, a new study finds. Using MRI brain scans, researchers found that kids with autism showed differences in the structure and function of a brain circuit called the mesolimbic reward pathway. That circuit, located deep within the brain, helps you take… read on >
As the tick population surges across the United States this summer, one doctor says the best way to avoid being infected with the nasty illnesses the tiny bugs carry is to wear protective clothing and to check your body thoroughly after every trip into the woods. Just last week, a new study found that ticks… read on >
Children who abuse animals may have been abused themselves, a new study suggests. Kids aged 10 and up who intentionally hurt animals are two to three times more likely to have been abused than kids who treat animals with respect, said the British researchers who conducted the review. “Asking about a history of animal abuse… read on >
Have you reached your ideal weight? Congratulations! You’re halfway to winning the weight loss battle. The next phase, maintaining that loss, requires a different mindset. Think of it as a new permanent diet, not a return to your old way of eating, which is a sure way to return to your old weight. Following these… read on >
The last thing you want to do after surgery is develop an infection. So caring for a surgical wound is of prime importance. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions: Follow your doctor’s instructions about when and how often you should change the surgical bandage, if there is one. Keep your incision dry… read on >
Even if it’s not visible to the naked eye, blood in the stool can be serious — a sign of a potentially fatal disease other than colon cancer, new research suggests. This could include circulatory, respiratory, digestive, blood, hormonal or neuropsychological diseases, the Scottish scientists said. A test that picks up unseen blood in feces,… read on >
You’ve probably heard the health warning: Sitting is the new smoking. The importance of getting up and walking to prevent serious health issues when you sit at a desk all day long has gotten a lot of attention recently. Those health risks include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess weight and high cholesterol levels,… read on >
Headaches are common in children and teens, but many parents aren’t sure when to seek professional help for their child, a new survey finds. The survey of parents with children aged 6 to 18 found that two-thirds said their child has had a headache not caused by a fall or head injury. “Headaches are very… read on >
The more you smoke, the greater your chances of developing a common heart rhythm disorder that increases your risk of stroke and early death, researchers say. “If you smoke, stop smoking, and if you don’t smoke, don’t start,” said study author Dagfinn Aune, a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial College London. “We found that smokers are… read on >
Many children are prescribed powerful opioid painkillers they don’t really need, putting them and those around them at risk, a new study shows. More than one in 10 kids enrolled in Tennessee’s Medicaid program received an opioid prescription each year between 1999 and 2014, even though they did not have a severe condition requiring powerful… read on >
