When kidney cancer strikes, surgical removal of the organ is often the standard course of action. But new research supports a nonsurgical approach for some patients: using a needle to “zap” kidney tumors away with either heat or cold. The procedure — known as percutaneous ablation — isn’t applicable to all kidney cancer patients. But… read on >
Using an artificial pancreas can help hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes maintain good blood sugar control, a new study suggests. That’s important because when diabetes isn’t managed well, high blood sugar levels can lengthen hospital stays and increase the risk of complications and even death, the researchers said. The artificial pancreas — an automated… read on >
Eating right may not be at the top of every young man’s to-do list. But the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says by starting healthy eating habits in their 20s, young men can set themselves up for healthier adult lives. The academy offers this advice: Eat a nutritious breakfast each day. Have a healthy snack… read on >
Allergy shots help ease symptoms for people who have chronic allergies. The shots contain small amounts of allergens to which the recipient reacts. After repeated exposure to the allergens, the immune system is better able to fight the things that make the person sneeze, wheeze and cough. The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this… read on >
For many families, summer means longer days, less routine and more time outside. That’s not all good news, one expert says, because it could jumble a family’s sleeping habits. Even without the rigorous and often hectic school-year schedule, it’s important to ensure that everyone gets enough sleep, according to Dr. Cheryl Tierney, chief of behavior… read on >
Insomnia affects up to 15 percent of Americans, but sleeping pills aren’t the only — or the best — answer. A good sleep routine, exercise and mindfulness are all options to get the restorative sleep you need. Set up a daily sleep pattern by going to bed at the same time each night and waking… read on >
Young American children are being sickened — and even dying — after being poisoned by a drug used to fight opioid addiction, a new report contends. Investigators reported that between 2007 and 2016, more than 11,000 emergency calls were made to U.S. poison control centers after a child or teen was exposed to buprenorphine, a… read on >
Canning food is a long-standing tradition in many households and a perfect way to enjoy the freshness of summer foods year round. But improper canning can lead to nasty consequences, such as botulism, a potentially deadly illness produced by a germ Clostridium botulinum. When it comes to canning, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and… read on >
Heartworm is a deadly disease that can strike your dog, cat or ferret after the bite of an infected mosquito. The good news is that it’s preventable with medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests giving your pet heartworm medicine year-round. The FDA also recommends that you: Talk to your veterinarian about testing your… read on >
It’s important for children to socialize during their summer holidays, a family medicine and psychiatry expert says. “Kids deserve a break during the summer. They’ve worked hard during the school year and this is their time to relax, but they should continue interacting with their friends and meeting new people,” said Dr. Jin Han. He’s… read on >
