If more Americans ate healthier diets, the nation could save tens of billions of dollars in health care costs for major problems such as heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, strokes, hip fractures and Alzheimer’s disease. That’s the conclusion of a new study in which researchers assessed different scenarios and determined that boosting the number… read on >
High school baseball players who both pitch and catch suffer more injuries than pitchers who play other positions, a new study finds. High rates of shoulder and elbow injuries are common among young pitchers. In fact, pitchers incur 73 percent of injuries among high school baseball players, and about 10 percent of them require surgery,… read on >
Omega-3 fatty acids — good fats found in fish — can boost the heart health of adults, but a new study suggests that babies might also stand to benefit from them. In the study from Australia, infants were given a daily fish oil supplement or a placebo from birth to 6 months. When they were… read on >
Even patients who have taken high doses of opioid painkillers for long periods of time aren’t unhappy with their care when their doctor lowers their dose, new research suggests. The study included nearly 2,500 patients with chronic pain who had been on high doses of opioids for at least six straight months. The researchers compared… read on >
Having health insurance is essential, especially for catastrophic situations. But it’s important to choose a plan carefully because your costs can go well beyond the monthly premium. Knowing key terms will help you calculate potential expenses more accurately. First is your deductible, the dollar amount you’ll pay before insurance covers anything other than preventive services.… read on >
Which sunscreen is right for you? There may be no easy answer unless you understand sunscreen lingo, the American Academy of Dermatology says. A recent study in JAMA Dermatology found that fewer than half of people asked at a dermatology clinic understood the meaning of “broad spectrum” or “SPF.” The academy offers this primer about… read on >
Major volcanic eruptions like the one going on in Hawaii are rare, but they can lead to serious health concerns. Volcanos produce gases mixed with water and tiny particles that form a type of pollution called vog. It can irritate the eyes and trigger heart attacks and respiratory problems such as asthma and wheezing. Active… read on >
Studies show that depression is underreported. People aren’t getting the help they need, sometimes because they don’t know the warning signs or where to turn, or are embarrassed because of the stigma that can still surround mental health issues. But the numbers are too great to ignore. Up to 26 percent of U.S. women and… read on >
Humidity doesn’t hinder the ability of flu viruses to infect people, claims a new study that challenges a long-held belief that the viruses become less active in moist conditions. The researchers found that mucus and other airway secretions expelled during coughs or sneezes protect flu viruses when they’re airborne, regardless of humidity levels. The findings… read on >
You’re probably familiar with the stereotypes about people who wear glasses — these folks are studious and spend a lot of time indoors with their noses in a book. As is often the case, it turns out that at least that stereotype may be true, a new British study suggests. The research found that the… read on >
