Bed bugs are excellent at hiding in the seams of chairs, in and around the bed and in the folds of cushions, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. The agency suggests how to prevent bed bug infestation at home: Check secondhand furniture for any signs of bed bugs before purchasing. Use protective covers to… read on >
High summer temperatures pose a particular risk for the elderly, the National Institute on Aging says. Because of poor circulation and other factors, older people typically are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. The agency offers this “to-do” list if you think someone might have a… read on >
Illnesses that lack exact testing methods can be difficult to diagnose, treat and live with, both physically and emotionally. Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is one such disease. Until recently, it was very poorly understood or even acknowledged. But after 9,000 studies, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the U.S. National Institutes of Health have… read on >
Chemicals used to cure meats like salami and hot dogs may be linked to a mood disorder called mania, researchers report. Those chemicals, known as nitrates, are frequently added to processed meats to prevent bacteria growth. “There’s growing evidence that germs in the intestines can influence the brain,” said study lead author Dr. Robert Yolken.… read on >
Having a late dinner and heading straight to bed may boost your risk of breast or prostate cancer, a new study suggests. Spanish researchers analyzed data from 621 prostate cancer patients and 1,205 breast cancer patients, as well as 872 men and 1,321 women without these cancers. People who ate their evening meal before 9… read on >
Fizzy, fermented kombucha tea is the hot new health drink. But experts say it’s not clear whether the bacteria-laden beverage lives up to all of its health claims. Proponents say kombucha’s powerful probiotics can help improve digestion, promote your immune response and reduce inflammation in your body by introducing healthy bacteria into your gut. “Kombucha… read on >
Choking is the 4th-leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States, the National Safety Council says. The Heimlich maneuver is an effective way to help a person who is choking, but is not recommended for children under age 1. Here are the agency’s suggestions for performing the Heimlich maneuver: Stand behind the choking… read on >
Tampons — cylindrical devices used to stem a woman’s menstrual flow — are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as medical devices. The FDA offers these tips for safe tampon use: Follow all directions on the product’s label. Wash hands before and after use. Only use tampons during the menstrual period. Change a… read on >
Children with autism show abnormalities in a deep brain circuit that typically makes socializing enjoyable, a new study finds. Using MRI brain scans, researchers found that kids with autism showed differences in the structure and function of a brain circuit called the mesolimbic reward pathway. That circuit, located deep within the brain, helps you take… read on >
As the tick population surges across the United States this summer, one doctor says the best way to avoid being infected with the nasty illnesses the tiny bugs carry is to wear protective clothing and to check your body thoroughly after every trip into the woods. Just last week, a new study found that ticks… read on >
