A type of therapy that harnesses the immune system is giving new hope to people battling a once hopeless cancer — melanoma that’s spread to the brain. New research involving more than 2,700 U.S. patients is confirming what specialists in the field have long known — that “checkpoint blockade” treatment can beat back these devastating… read on >
In a country where four out of 10 adults are obese, it’s probably good news that half of U.S. adults say they’ve recently tried to shed some pounds. They did this most often through exercise, cutting calories and eating their fruits and veggies, according to a new government survey that tracked Americans’ weight-loss attempts between… read on >
Eating a healthful diet is easier when nutritious foods are more accessible. But it’s not enough to simply buy better choices. To make a habit of choosing healthy over less-healthy options, you want to make them as easy to eat, as visually appealing, and as everyday as the packaged treats that tempt you. That’s as… read on >
Gaps in private insurance coverage are common among American adults with type 1 diabetes, raising their risk for health crises, a new study finds. “Type 1 diabetes requires intensive daily management in order to simply remain alive, so interruptions to care and coverage of insulin and supplies can pose a major risk,” said study leader… read on >
A startling 75 percent of black people in the United States develop high blood pressure by the age of 55, a new study finds. That’s a far higher rate than seen among either white men (55 percent) or white women (40 percent), the researchers said. “We started to see differences between blacks and whites by… read on >
An epi-pen may be a lifesaving injection for a person with severe allergies. But the device must be cared for and stored properly. Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) suggests how to care for your epi-pen: Store it away from direct light. Store it at room temperature. Do not refrigerate it or allow it to… read on >
Traveling with someone with a disability may seem daunting, but things are likely to go a lot smoother with some preparation. AARP offers this advice: Contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at least 72 hours before departure to explain your loved one’s needs. The number is: 855-787-2227. When you leave, bring all necessary medical letters… read on >
Your surroundings can play a big role when it comes to overeating. Learning how you respond in various circumstances can help you curb the calories. One study showed that people eat and drink less when their dinnerware is red — and more when it’s blue — because red acts like a stop sign. But another… read on >
Afraid to raise your hand because of embarrassing body odor? Here’s some good news for you: Scientists say they’re one step closer to conquering smelly armpits. Researchers in England say they’ve identified a protein that enables bacteria in your armpits to take up odorless compounds in sweat and make it stink. According to the investigators,… read on >
If you want to be happier, try having meaningful conversations. A new study finds that quality conversation is associated with greater happiness, while small talk has no effect on mental state. The results were true for both introverts and extroverts. The findings from the study of 486 people were published recently in the journal Psychological… read on >
