COPD may seem like an adult disease, often tied to smoking. But two new studies suggest it could have roots in life’s earliest years. Kids with issues such as asthma or those exposed to secondhand smoke may be more susceptible to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) decades later — especially if they grow up to… read on >
Growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood may mean more visits to the emergency room, a new study suggests. When children came from areas of “low opportunity,” they were about one-third more likely to have been treated at an urgent care center or an emergency room than kids from areas with more opportunity. They were also… read on >
Having blood drawn is a mainstay of a routine annual physical. Never provided a blood sample? The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute describes what to expect: A technician usually will draw blood from a vein in your arm. Less often, the sample is obtained from a finger prick. The technician may ask you to… read on >
Electrolytes are naturally occurring minerals that contain an electric charge. They are found in your blood, urine, other bodily fluids and tissues. Examples contained in certain foods and beverages include: sodium, calcium, potassium, chorine, phosphate and magnesium. Electrolytes influence your body’s water balance. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says electrolytes also are important because… read on >
Whether you want to lose weight, maintain your weight or just eat healthily, you need to know about protein. Protein in the foods you eat helps build and maintain your bones, muscles and skin. However, you need to consume protein every day because your body doesn’t store it the same as it stores carbohydrates and… read on >
A mismatch between a college student’s class schedule and natural body clock can cause a type of “jet lag” and worse grades, a new study reports. Night owls with morning classes suffer the most, researchers concluded after comparing class times and grades of nearly 15,000 students. “We found that the majority of students were being… read on >
People who smoke already face a greater risk of illnesses and early death, and a new study suggests their diets aren’t doing their health any favors either. The researchers found that compared to ex-smokers and people who never smoked, tobacco users have diets with a much higher energy density. Smokers consume about 200 more calories… read on >
In search of a cosmetic surgery procedure that might be less costly than the going rate in the United States, a 43-year-old woman traveled to the Dominican Republic for a “tummy tuck.” What she got, instead, were massive open sores and an antibiotic-resistant infection that ultimately left her with a deformed abdomen. And hers is… read on >
Drinking polluted water can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, reproductive problems and developmental problems, the website girlshealth.gov says. Here are the site’s suggestions to help curb water pollution: Recycle batteries and other harmful trash, such as paint. Have water at home tested for pollutants. Filter or boil water if it contains bacteria, lead or chlorine.… read on >
Cradle cap, medically called infantile seborrheic dermatitis, is a relatively harmless condition that leads to rough and scaly skin patches on a newborn’s scalp. The condition isn’t contagious and typically goes away without treatment. The website kidsHealth.org suggests visiting a doctor if: You are treating cradle cap for the first time. Your child has the… read on >
