Rock climbing is no longer just for extreme sports athletes and thrill-seeking daredevils. With hundreds of indoor climbing facilities across the United States — plus climbing walls in local athletic clubs, sporting goods stores and even cruise ships — this fun activity continues to grow in popularity. Climbing has benefits for people of all ages.… read on >
After decades of progress, the United States has seen a slowdown in reductions of two major air pollutants, a new study finds. Researchers found that levels of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide — which contribute to the formation of ozone pollution and smog — have not continued the fairly steady decline predicted by the U.S.… read on >
A European woman who needed an implanted brain device got an unwelcome side effect during a storm: Nearby lightning switched the device off. Experts say the phenomenon is likely rare, and the deep brain stimulator device worked fine again once it was turned back on by doctors. Still, it’s a hazard worth looking out for,… read on >
While allergists have long known that farm life helps prevent allergies in kids, new research shows the benefit might even extend to adults who live near a farm. The findings “are indicative of potentially beneficial health effects of living in close proximity to farms,” said a team led by Dr. Lidwien Smit, of Utrecht University… read on >
Eye injuries are a leading cause of childhood blindness in the United States, the U.S. National Eye Institute says. Baseball, basketball, hockey, boxing, squash, fencing, racquetball and lacrosse are just some of the high-risk sports for eye injuries, the institute says. It offers this additional advice about protective eyewear: Prescription glasses, contact lenses and sunglasses… read on >
Many people don’t get enough exercise. But a sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a host of physical and mental woes, from cancer to depression. The National Library of Medicine says an inactive lifestyle also is associated with: Obesity. Heart disease. High blood pressure. High cholesterol. Stroke. Type 2 diabetes. Osteoporosis. Source: HealthDay
Anxiety during middle age might signal impending dementia, a new analysis suggests. Although millions of Americans suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, it’s not clear how it is linked to dementia or if treatment could nullify the risk, British researchers say. “We investigated anxiety levels that are significant enough to warrant being clinically diagnosed with… read on >
What women eat might determine when they enter menopause, new research suggests. After tracking more than 35,000 British women for four years, investigators found that menopause tended to start earlier among those whose diets were heavy in refined carbs. In contrast, menopause tended to begin later among those who consumed a lot of fish and… read on >
Still having a hard time getting your kids to eat fruits and veggies? Studies show one solution is to grow your own. Kids get excited as they watch a garden yield fresh foods and are more motivated to eat what they helped grow. It gives kids a good understanding of what it takes to get… read on >
Obesity may accelerate and amplify the crippling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, new research suggests. Conversely, the researchers also found that unexplained weight loss might also signal problems for these patients, because it could mean that they’re at greater risk for disability. “While patients and rheumatologists may be focused mostly on disease activity, we should also… read on >
