Americans could add years to their lives with just a handful of healthy habits, a large, new study suggests. Right now, the typical 50-year-old American can expect to live another 30 to 33 years, according to government statistics. But based on the new study, those who maintain five lifestyle habits could add roughly a decade… read on >
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) most often affects infants and children younger than age 5, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. Children that young lack immunity to the viruses that cause HFMD. the agency says. Typical symptoms of the highly contagious disease include: fever, painful mouth sores and a rash on… read on >
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against taking pure or highly concentrated caffeine products, citing at least two overdose deaths among otherwise healthy people. Given possible difficulty in measuring the products in a safe dose, and the products’ resemblence to other beverages, it’s relatively easy to overdose, the agency says. One teaspoon of pure… read on >
With summer comes the stings of bees and wasps, but one expert has advice on how to keep the pain to a minimum. “The first thing to do is to get the stinger out quickly,” said Dr. Carrie Kovarik. She’s an associate professor of dermatology, dermatopathology and infectious diseases at the University of Pennsylvania. “The… read on >
As the U.S. population ages, vision loss caused by age-related macular degeneration is likely to increase, an ophthalmologist says. Adults over 50 should get an annual test for the condition, said Dr. Ingrid Scott, a professor of ophthalmology at Penn State College of Medicine. Blurry or distorted vision could be symptoms of age-related macular degeneration,… read on >
Bicycling outdoors can feel more like fun than the high-quality aerobic activity it is. And while you may be tempted to dust off your old two-wheeler, you might want to consider a new one. Innovations include step-through bikes with a low, or no, top tube (cross bar), high-rise handlebars for better posture, wider tires for… read on >
Construction workers, farmers and others who work in the sun are at greater risk for skin cancer, according to researchers. And a new study reveals these job-related cancers cost nations millions in medical expenses. The researchers said lawmakers should address this trend and take steps to reduce job-related exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.… read on >
Pregnant women may want to skip all soft drinks while they’re expecting if they want their child’s learning and memory skills to be sharper, new research suggests. The study found that when moms-to-be had more sugar, especially from sugar-sweetened sodas, their children had poorer nonverbal problem-solving abilities and verbal memory. These children also had poorer… read on >
Athletes, because they sweat routinely and often perform in hot conditions, are at higher risk of developing skin conditions, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy suggests how athletes can reduce their chances of acquiring a skin infection: Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed. Prevent blisters by using… read on >
The so-called “Paleo” diet, which cuts out a number of food groups to bring about weight loss, has been around for several years now and at first blush may sound like just another fad. But some recent scientific studies since the diet became popular have found that the regimen that makes up the diet’s requirements… read on >
