States that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act saw a greater increase in low-income adults who quit smoking than did states that did not expand Medicaid, a new study found. Under the health care act, states that expanded Medicaid had to offer services to help people quit smoking. About 30 percent of low-income adults… read on >
Having a father with depression may put teens at a heightened risk for the mental health problem, a new study suggests. Previous research had linked depression in mothers and in their children. But according to the investigators, this is the first study to find such an association between fathers and their children, independent of whether… read on >
Don’t want to look old before your time? A new study suggests that heavy drinking and smoking — besides posing serious health risks — make people look older than they actually are. The research tracked more than 11,500 Danish adults, aged 21 to 93, for an average of nearly 12 years. Women consumed, on average,… read on >
Despite safety warnings from drug regulators, some U.S. children are still being given a risky painkiller after having their tonsils removed, a new study finds. At issue is the opioid painkiller codeine. In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a “black box” warning, advising doctors against prescribing codeine to children to control tonsillectomy… read on >
Obese people who follow a low-fat weight-loss plan could tack extra years onto their life, a new review of medical evidence suggests. Such diets appear to help decrease overall risk of early death by 18 percent in people with obesity, amounting to six fewer deaths for every 1,000 people, researchers concluded. “Weight loss by cutting… read on >
Smog might raise a woman’s risk of miscarriage early in her pregnancy, a new study suggests. Chronic exposure seemed to increase that risk by more than 10 percent, according to researchers who tracked hundreds of pregnancies among couples in Michigan and Texas. “We found that both ozone and particles in the air were related to… read on >
If your child has cancer and is being treated by a team of specialists, frequent and open communication is essential. The American Cancer Society suggests how to talk with team members: Actively take part in your child’s care. Communication should be clear, direct and honest. Treat team members with respect. Provide thorough and accurate information… read on >
Smoke from a nearby wildfire threatens anyone, but poses even more of a threat to people with asthma, COPD, heart disease or diabetes, the American Lung Association says. The group suggests what to do if a wildfire burns near you: Stay inside, if possible. Do not rely on a dust mask to keep your lungs… read on >
Every year, about 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer — an abnormal growth of skin cells that most often develops on areas exposed to the sun. You can spot early signs by regularly checking your skin for changes. Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer. However, people who have light skin that burns easily,… read on >
Even if researchers were to find a groundbreaking new treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, millions of people might not benefit from it, new research reveals. That’s because the U.S. health care system doesn’t have the ability to quickly implement a newly approved treatment on a widespread scale, according to a report from the RAND Corporation. For… read on >
