Though the term “functional foods” currently has no legal definition, it’s more than just a clever marketing catchphrase. According to health organizations like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, these are foods that go beyond providing calories and basic nutrition to actually improving your health. They can be whole foods in their natural state or… read on >
Paid leave for new mothers may increase breastfeeding rates, but mainly among women with higher incomes, a new study contends. The United States is the only developed country that does not offer paid leave to new parents on a national level. But four states now offer paid leave, and the study focused on two of… read on >
An experimental vaginal ring meant to prevent pregnancy and HIV looks safe, according to an early stage study. The dual-purpose ring releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine and the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel, said researchers led by Dr. Sharon Achilles, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “We are very encouraged by our findings in this… read on >
Obese patients in need of a kidney transplant may find themselves denied one because of their weight, but a new study says that shouldn’t happen in all cases. Researchers have found that kidneys given to obese patients fared as well as those transplanted into normal-weight patients. In addition, no difference was seen in patient survival,… read on >
Botox is made by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It’s been used as a way to treat eye and nerve disorders for more than 20 years, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology says. While people typically think of Botox as a remedy for facial wrinkles, the AOCD says it’s FDA-approved to also… read on >
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that will affect vision if left untreated. Half of Americans will have had a cataract by the time they are 80, the American Eye Institute says. Risk factors for cataracts include diabetes, smoking, drinking alcohol and prolonged exposure to direct sun, the group says. Here are… read on >
Carbohydrates supply glucose, which your body converts to energy. But not all carbs are created equal, and some experts believe that the type of carbs you eat — those with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients — matters more than the quantity. This is important if you’re battling diabetes or pre-diabetes to avoid blood sugar… read on >
In a finding that might come as a surprise, a new study suggests that people may stay in unfulfilling relationships because they feel they’re doing their partner a favor. People trying to decide whether to end a relationship consider not only themselves but also how important the relationship is to their partner, according to the… read on >
Young children are more likely to be awakened by a smoke alarm that uses their mother’s voice than one with a typical high-pitched alarm, a new study finds. The mother’s voice alarm also resulted in much quicker escape times. “Children are remarkably resistant to awakening by sound when asleep,” explained study co-author Dr. Mark Splaingard,… read on >
THURSDAY, Oct. 25, 2018Anxiety, depression and panic attacks are sending U.S. college students to mental health clinics in record numbers, a new study finds. Between 2009 and 2015, treatment and diagnoses of anxiety increased by nearly 6 percent among these students, followed by depression and panic attacks, which each increased about 3 percent. Anxiety is… read on >
