Three weeks in a cast or brace may be just as effective in healing ankle fractures as the typical six weeks, a new study shows. While six weeks in a cast is the usual treatment, there are risks associated with prolonged immobilization, including stiffness, skin damage and blocked blood vessels. Finnish researchers decided to find… read on >
If you want breastfeeding to go smoothly, you might want to ask the hospital to delay that first bath for your newborn, new research suggests. For decades, it’s been standard procedure to give newborns a bath within the first few hours after birth, but the new finding suggests that waiting 12 or more hours before… read on >
Fried chicken, french fries and chicken-fried steak might be delicious, but treating yourself to such fare regularly could be deadly, a new study warns. Women who eat more than one serving a week of fried chicken or fried fish have an increased risk of heart disease and death, researchers report. “Overall, we found that total… read on >
Talking with your baby helps the child’s language development, the Nemours Foundation says. Researchers have found that the number of words a parent said to a child was strongly associated with the depth of the child’s vocabulary at the age of 3. And when parents used different words and sentences in conversation, their children had… read on >
Custom orthotics are specially made devices designed to support and comfortthefeet, ankles and legs. Orthotics are made typically after a podiatrist has conducted a complete physical evaluation of these areas, the American Podiatric Medical Association says. If you are considering orthotics, the association suggests these things to keep in mind: Consider your health. If you… read on >
Making soup is an easy way to get your veggies while having a warming, low-calorie meal. Soups can also double as easy lunches that just need re-heating. Here are two to try: Creamy Asparagus Soup 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 pounds asparagus, chopped 3 cups low-sodium chicken… read on >
For many, a microwave is indispensable, but questions remain about the safety of containers used to cook and reheat food in it. Most of the controversy surrounds the chemicals used to make plastic containers soft or clear, like BPA and phthalates. These chemicals are called endocrine disrupters, because they can mimic hormones such as estrogen… read on >
An artificial intelligence (AI) system can analyze chest X-rays and spot patients who should receive immediate care, researchers report. The system could also reduce backlogs in hospitals someday. Chest X-rays account for 40 percent of all diagnostic imaging worldwide, and there can be large backlogs, according to the researchers. “Currently, there are no systematic and… read on >
The percentage of U.S. liver transplant recipients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) doubled over 15 years, but significant regional variations remain, a new study finds. ALD has replaced hepatitis C as the most common reason for U.S. liver transplants. One reason is that hepatitis C rates have decreased due to antiviral therapy. But a more… read on >
Germs may thrive at the gym, creating a perfect breeding ground for skin infections. Bacteria, viruses and fungi thrive in warm and moist places, such as the locker room or sweaty gym equipment, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy mentions these preventive tips: Wear loose-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing. Always wear shoes around the locker… read on >
