A treatment that harnesses the power of helpful bacteria living naturally on the skin might be a breakthrough treatment for eczema, early research suggests. The therapy capitalizes on recent insights into the importance of the “microbiome” — the trillions of helpful bacteria that live in people’s digestive tracts and on their skin. “By applying bacteria… read on >
As America’s opioid crisis continues, too many toddlers are accidentally overdosing on narcotic medicines. But a new study suggests that better packaging might curb the problem. Among kids under the age of 6, single-dose packaging prompted a 79 percent decrease in the number of unintentional exposures to a narcotic called buprenorphine. The medication is given… read on >
Few people go through life without having episodes of lower back pain. For some people, though, it’s a daily struggle. The American Academy of Family Physicians says back pain may be controlled by maintaining proper posture and sitting, lifting, standing and exercising properly. Others have to seek medical attention for relief. The academy mentions these… read on >
Graduating from high school is a milestone that includes some emotional stress for you and your child. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests how you can support your child as he or she graduates: Make sure your teen has medical coverage after high school, and that the teen knows how to use it. Many health… read on >
Want customized diet advice to make your weight or health goals attainable? Consider working with an RD — a registered dietitian. Not just a luxury for the rich, a registered dietitian has the know-how to create a diet plan for your specific needs — one that will help you safely drop pounds and keep them… read on >
Teens love their cellphones, but that love affair can turn deadly when they climb behind the wheel of a car. But new research suggests that financial incentives and other measures might help to dissuade young drivers from texting while driving. Many teens who admit to texting while driving said they’d be receptive to cash rewards… read on >
People with the most common blood type, type O, may be at higher risk of death after suffering severe injuries because they’re more likely to have major bleeding, a new study suggests. While the study is preliminary, Japanese researcher Dr. Wataru Takayama said the “results also raise questions about how emergency transfusion of O type… read on >
Men looking for a wife might need to get a grip — a strong hand grip, that is. Researchers examined data from more than 5,000 adults in Norway to study the association between their marital status and grip strength. They were between ages 59 and 71. Although the study couldn’t prove cause and effect, it… read on >
Due to the U.S. opioid epidemic, hepatitis C is up among pregnant women, raising the risk for mother-to-child transmission of the virus, a new study reveals. Hepatitis C can be contracted via dirty needles used by opioid addicts. But just a fraction of newborns exposed to hepatitis C in the womb are screened for the… read on >
U.S. hospitals are running short of the injectable opioids and anesthesia drugs that most surgery patients need during and after their procedures, a new survey shows. More than 98 percent of anesthesiologists responding to the survey said they regularly experience shortages of these drugs. And recent efforts by the federal government to curb the opioid… read on >
