In hospitals around the world, noise complaints are booming. But some medical centers are trying to stem the ’round-the-clock’ racket. Medical equipment, air circulation machinery, announcements and staff pages create a cacophony of sounds 24/7 that can stress patients, staff and visitors alike, said Ilene Busch-Vishniac, a consultant on noise control. Besides sleep disruptions, high… read on >
When it comes to getting and staying fit, women may have an aerobic edge over men, new research suggests. In a small new study, investigators compared oxygen uptake and muscle oxygen extraction in 18 young men and women while they worked out on a treadmill. Oxygen uptake is an important measure of aerobic fitness. Women… read on >
It’s common doctors’ advice to the elderly: Walk around the block each day to help stay fit. Trouble is, that advice might do more harm than good if you live in a neighborhood with smoggy air, a new study shows. British research suggests the unhealthy effects of breathing dirty air might outweigh whatever benefit the… read on >
Everyone knows that smoking is dangerous, increasing the risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and stroke. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, it may cause many other health problems among women: Decreased bone density in post-menopausal women. Rheumatoid arthritis. Cataracts. Gum disease. Ulcers. Complications after surgery. Depression. Menstrual problems, including an irregular… read on >
More than 50,000 vehicle accidents occur in parking lots and garages each year, leading to about 500 deaths and more than 60,000 injuries, the National Safety Council says. It pays to be especially careful during the holidays, when drivers are increasingly distracted by the hustle and bustle of the season. The council offers these safety… read on >
You might be excited to begin an exercise program for better health, but for some people, getting a fitness assessment first is the right way to get started. As part of this exam you’ll learn about appropriate exercises and safety guidelines, such as workout duration and the intensity level best for you. During the assessment,… read on >
Spanking your child may have unintended consequences as he or she forges adult romantic relationships years later, a new study suggests. The study found that spanked kids tended to have higher odds of being violent toward their dating partners, researchers said. “While we can’t say that spanking causes later violence, it follows that if a… read on >
For children with epilepsy who don’t find relief from their seizures with medication, a tightly controlled nutrition plan might help, a pair of new studies suggests. Called the ketogenic diet, the therapy provides a carefully balanced high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that causes the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel. This changes the way… read on >
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), common in the winter months, is a type of depression triggered by decreased exposure to daylight. Symptoms of SAD include feeling down, irritable, lacking energy, sleeping a lot or having cravings FOR sweet or starchy foods. The National Sleep Foundation suggests how to help manage SAD: Expose yourself to more daylight.… read on >
From the hills of Hollywood to the halls of Congress, it’s now clear that sexual harassment in the workplace has long been a fact of life for working women. But while the media highlights high-profile firings — NBC anchor Matt Lauer and NPR showman Garrison Keillor among the latest — little attention has been given… read on >
