Gum disease may include symptoms from swollen gums to bad breath and loose or sensitive teeth. Gum disease starts with a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Tiny microbes combine with mucus and other particles to form plaque on the teeth and gumline. Brushing and flossing will get rid of some plaque, but if any… read on >
Treating stroke survivors’ blood pressure more aggressively might prevent a substantial number of deaths, a new study estimates. Last year, new guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association lowered the threshold for diagnosing high blood pressure. They said people should consider treatment when their numbers reach 130/80 mm Hg or higher… read on >
Vegan diets are hard for many people to stick with long-term, but studies show that this way of eating can translate to weight loss. Vegan is the strictest type of vegetarian diet — you choose only foods from plant sources, such as vegetables, fruits and grains, and avoid all animal products. In a small trial… read on >
One in four U.S. high school seniors would try marijuana or use it more often if it was legal, a new survey finds. That rate — the highest in the 43-year history of the Monitoring the Future survey — likely reflects growing pot legalization in the United States, researchers said. Broken down, about 15 percent… read on >
Maybe there’s a good reason you dislike cold weather: The risk of death from a heart attack is higher in the winter than in the summer, a new study says. Researchers at Leeds General Infirmary in England examined data from more than 4,000 patients treated for heart attack over four years. They found the risk… read on >
If you’re a man and you suffer from heart disease or diabetes, stress at work may shorten your life, a new study finds. The researchers said a demanding job in which you have little or no control over your work environment is a formula that can increase the risk of dying early whether you suffer… read on >
If you swim in the ocean, you should be aware of dangerous rip tides, sometimes called rip currents. Most often, these fast-moving flows of water form at low spots, breaks in sandbars or near structures such as piers, experts at Texas A&M University say. Rip tides are notorious for pulling even the strongest swimmers under… read on >
Experiencing other cultures, visiting world landmarks and tasting foreign cuisines are just some of the pleasures of international travel. But for a safer trip, take these steps before you leave home. Check the U.S. State Department website for any travel alerts or warnings concerning your destination. Double check that you have all needed documents starting… read on >
Many migraine sufferers skip recommended behavioral treatments, such as stress management and talk therapy, a new study finds. Lack of time, cost and skepticism are among the reasons why, said Dr. Mia Minen, director of research for NYU Langone’s headache division in New York City. Previous studies have shown that treatments such as cognitive behavioral… read on >
It’s your worst nightmare: As doctors race to save your life while performing CPR, you’re actually awake and conscious of what they are doing. A new report shows it happened for one man for up to 90 minutes, and the finding suggests that sedation during CPR should be contemplated. “At this time, we in the… read on >
